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

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

The upcoming fight against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two competitors.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury called Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his mindset: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I'm sure many people don't grasp 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, respectfully.”

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

“You pray your adversary leaves the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his reply.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he said. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's arena in a bout many consider a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be contested over 8 three-minute stanzas using standard 10oz gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

Joshua Says He Was “Called In to Rescue” The Sport

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

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

The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog adopting a unusual posture before Joshua stayed calm and playfully grabbed his chain.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations

The surreal nature of this bout has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including claims that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”

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

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a huge social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his life.”

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the biggest upset in the sport's annals.

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

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”