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Anthony Joshua stood by his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.

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

Saturday's bout against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King branded Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “It's my job, 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 love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other fighters 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 risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent 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.”

Paul's Fiery Response

Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less combative in his reply.

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

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many see as a major mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be contested over eight 3-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport

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

“They want me to stop 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 concluded.

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

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul adopting a bizarre pose before the champion stayed calm and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

“There are no clauses in the agreement, AJ can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul said.

Joshua, wearing a expensive chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

He has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

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

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree but maintained that his rival would not underestimate him.

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

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the sport's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent stain on his record, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”