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The British heavyweight stood by his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.

These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

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

Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't understand 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 important, with all due respect.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as fighters. 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 wish your adversary exits the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Response

Jake Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his reply.

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

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

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

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

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon 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 AJ smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

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

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”

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

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

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

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.

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

A win for the underdog would be arguably the most shocking upset in the sport's annals.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd return again, move on,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”