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The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on Wednesday.

These statements were first made on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory language.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You hope your adversary leaves 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 massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his retort.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a bout many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be contested over 8 three-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the extreme language used, Joshua suggested he has been “brought in to save” the sport of boxing.

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

The news conference also had more humorous exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded peacefully, with the underdog striking a bizarre pose before the champion stayed calm and playfully touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

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

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

Joshua, wearing a expensive chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”

He has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally large.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a huge online audience.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

“It's smart on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest loss of his life.”

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

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the athlete stated it would not spell the end.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”