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Anthony Joshua stood by his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.

The remarks were first made on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his stance: “This is my profession, 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 - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a perilous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent exits the ring in good health, 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 career cruiserweight, was no less incendiary in his retort.

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

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a bout many see as a glaring mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the graphic language used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to save” boxing.

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

The event also had lighter moments, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog adopting a bizarre posture before Joshua stayed composed and lightly touched his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

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

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

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

He has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely high.

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, amassing a massive social media following.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

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

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on his legacy, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back 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.”