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The British heavyweight repeated his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “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 just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his retort.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a fight many see as a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be contested over eight three-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing

Despite the extreme language used, Joshua suggested he has been “called in to save” boxing.

“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this fight,” he concluded.

The event also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown passed without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual pose before the champion remained calm and lightly grabbed his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The unusual aspect of this bout has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There's nothing in the contract, AJ can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Paul insisted.

The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the purse.”

He has stated on social media that the total purse will be exceptionally high.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a huge online audience.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's calibre but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest defeat of his life.”

A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent mark on his record, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”