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Anthony Joshua repeated his much-discussed 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 Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, explained his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I'm sure many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure 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 perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

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

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Paul, a huge underdog in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his retort.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

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

The professional contest will be contested over eight three-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter claimed he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.

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

The news conference also had lighter moments, with AJ smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a odd posture before Joshua stayed composed and lightly grabbed Paul's chain.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The peculiar nature of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

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

Paul has claimed on social media that the total purse will be exceptionally large.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

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

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

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his life.”

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

It would certainly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's record, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I would return again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”