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The British heavyweight doubled down on his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were initially uttered on the previous day 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 contest against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted criticism over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King labeled Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme language.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his position: “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 - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the psychology we have to have as boxers. 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 risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray your adversary 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 was purely professional.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was equally incendiary in his response.

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

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Miami's Kaseya Center 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 8 three-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing

Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.

“They want me to halt 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 his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with Paul adopting a odd pose before the champion stayed composed and playfully touched his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Claims

The surreal aspect of this bout has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, sporting a expensive chain, humorously added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the money.”

He has claimed on social media that the total purse will be extremely large.

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

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

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's calibre but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.

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

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

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's record, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.

“I would come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”