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The British heavyweight stood by his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on midweek.

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

The upcoming fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “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. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, 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. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything 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 wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was equally combative in his retort.

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

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using regular 10oz gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the graphic language used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to save” boxing.

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

The event also had more humorous moments, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual posture before Joshua stayed calm and playfully touched Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations

The peculiar nature of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

“There's nothing in the agreement, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul said.

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

Paul has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a huge social media following.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's skill level but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.

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

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his legacy, but the fighter said it would not spell the end.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”