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Anthony Joshua repeated his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.

His words were first made on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming fight against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn debate over safety concerns and the size difference between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his mindset: “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 love what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He stated, “That's just the mentality 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 squared circle, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent exits 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 Fiery Retort

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his response.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he stated. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

Joshua Says He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport

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

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this fight,” he concluded.

The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a bizarre posture before Joshua remained calm and playfully grabbed Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Claims

The surreal nature of this fight has led to questions about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

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

Paul has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a huge online audience.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's calibre but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.

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

A win for Paul would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”