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The British heavyweight doubled down on his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two competitors.

Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder The Gypsy King called Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his stance: “It's my job, 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. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

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

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

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his response.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he said. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a major mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

Despite the extreme language used, Joshua said he has been “called in to rescue” boxing.

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul show and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.

The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a odd posture before Joshua remained composed and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The unusual nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, sporting a expensive necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

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

Largest Upset in Boxing History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a huge social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but maintained that his rival would not underestimate him.

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

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”