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The British heavyweight doubled down on his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.

These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked criticism over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his stance: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He stated, “That's just the mindset we have to have as boxers. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Maybe 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 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 Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his retort.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul declared. “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.”

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a fight many see as a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute rounds using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Rescue” Boxing

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

“They want me to halt 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 AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded peacefully, with the underdog adopting a bizarre posture before the champion stayed composed and lightly grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The unusual aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, amassing a massive social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre but maintained that his rival would take him seriously.

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

A win for Paul would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the sport's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd return again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”