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The British heavyweight doubled down on his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Miami on Wednesday.

These statements were first made on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked criticism over safety concerns and the size difference between the two competitors.

Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King called Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme comments.

But Joshua, defended his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I'm sure many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You hope your adversary exits the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his reply.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport

Despite the vulgar terminology used, the fighter said he has been “called in to save” boxing.

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear boxing on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The event also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog adopting a bizarre posture before the champion stayed composed and playfully touched his chain.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Claims

The peculiar nature of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There's nothing in the agreement, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Paul said.

The former champion, wearing a expensive chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the payment.”

He has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a massive online audience.

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's skill level but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest loss of his career.”

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's record, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

“I would return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”