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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

His words were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his stance: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as warriors. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your adversary leaves the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Retort

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

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard 10oz gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

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

“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul phenomenon and I understand it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The news conference also had more humorous moments, with AJ smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog adopting a odd posture before the champion remained calm and playfully touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The peculiar nature of this bout has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, wearing a valuable necklace, humorously added, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, gathering a huge social media following.

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

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

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's record, 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. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”