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Anthony Joshua stood by his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.

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

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

Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury called Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory comments.

But Joshua, justified his mindset: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I understand many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”

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

Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was no less combative in his reply.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many see as a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

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

He Says He Was “Called In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter suggested he has been “brought 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 carry the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.

The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a unusual pose before the champion stayed composed and lightly touched his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal aspect of this bout has led to questions about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”

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

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a huge online audience.

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

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

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.

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

“I would come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”