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The British heavyweight stood by his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a press event 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, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury called Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory comments.

But Joshua, explained his stance: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“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 held high, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You wish 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.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally combative in his retort.

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

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a major mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over eight three-minute rounds using regular 10oz gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

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

Despite the graphic 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 bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.

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

The final staredown passed peacefully, with the underdog striking a odd pose before Joshua stayed composed and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul insisted.

The former champion, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”

He has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a huge social media following.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's calibre but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest loss of his career.”

A win for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the sport's annals.

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

“I would come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”