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Anthony Joshua stood by his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

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

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I'm sure many people don't understand 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 crucial, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as fighters. 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 perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You hope 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 Retort

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

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

AJ will face Paul, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a major mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be contested over 8 3-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

He Claims He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport

Despite the vulgar language used, the fighter said he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul show and I understand it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.

The event also had more humorous moments, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown passed without incident, with Paul adopting a bizarre pose before Joshua remained calm and playfully touched Paul's chain.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The unusual aspect of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”

Paul has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely high.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

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

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

“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest defeat of his career.”

A victory for Paul would be arguably the biggest upset in the sport's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his legacy, but the athlete said it would not spell the end.

“I would return again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”