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Anthony Joshua stood by his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were first made on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn criticism over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder The Gypsy King branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

But Joshua, defended his mindset: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other boxers 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 adversary leaves the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Paul's Fiery Retort

Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his response.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul said. “I'm ready. 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.”

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

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

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing

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

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

The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with Paul striking a unusual pose before the champion remained calm and lightly touched Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Claims

The surreal nature of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul said.

The former champion, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”

He has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be exceptionally large.

Largest Shock in Boxing 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 calibre but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest loss of his life.”

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

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

“I would return again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”