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

These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury branded Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme language.

But Joshua, justified his position: “This is my profession, 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 just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters 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. Everything can happen.”

“You hope your adversary exits the ring safely, 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

Paul, a considerable underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his retort.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

AJ will face Paul, 28, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a glaring mismatch, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be contested over 8 three-minute stanzas using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to rescue” 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 more humorous exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog striking a unusual posture before Joshua remained composed and playfully grabbed Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations

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

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”

He has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely high.

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a huge online audience.

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

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

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.

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

“I'd return again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”