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The British heavyweight repeated his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on Wednesday.

These statements were originally stated on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn criticism over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Labels AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

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 understand many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

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

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally fiery in his reply.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul declared. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be contested over 8 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

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

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter said he has been “brought in to rescue” the sport of 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 concluded.

The news conference also had more humorous moments, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul striking a bizarre posture before Joshua stayed calm and playfully touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations

The unusual nature of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

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

He has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a massive online audience.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree 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 biggest 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 stain on his legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I would return again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”