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Anthony Joshua stood by his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.

His words were originally stated on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint 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 sparked concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his mindset: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“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 crucial, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Everything 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 wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was no less combative in his response.

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

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a fight many consider a glaring mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

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

Despite the vulgar terminology used, Joshua suggested 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 bear the sport on my back in this fight,” he added.

The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul striking a odd posture before Joshua stayed calm and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There's nothing in the contract, AJ can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Paul insisted.

The former champion, wearing a valuable necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”

He has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be exceptionally large.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, amassing a massive online audience.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's calibre but insisted that his rival would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the greatest loss of his life.”

A win for Paul would be arguably the biggest surprise in the sport's history.

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

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