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

These statements were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He stated, “That's just the psychology we have to have as warriors. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

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

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his response.

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

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many consider a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

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

He Says He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport

Despite the graphic terminology used, Joshua claimed he has been “called in to save” boxing.

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

The event also had more humorous moments, with AJ smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown passed without incident, with Paul striking a unusual pose before Joshua remained composed and lightly touched his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The unusual aspect of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”

He has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely high.

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

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

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's skill level but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the biggest loss of his career.”

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”