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

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

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory comments.

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

“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

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

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

Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his retort.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many regard as a significant mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute stanzas using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

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

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

The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog striking a bizarre posture before Joshua stayed composed and playfully touched Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The unusual aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

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

Paul has stated on social media that the total purse will be extremely high.

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

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

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's calibre but maintained that his rival would not underestimate him.

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

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the sport's annals.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent stain on his record, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

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