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Anthony Joshua stood by his provocative comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on midweek.

His words were first made on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn criticism over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury labeled Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But Joshua, justified his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I love what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”

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

“You pray your adversary 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 not personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his retort.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” he said. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Miami's arena in a bout many regard as a major mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

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

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport

Despite the vulgar terminology used, Joshua said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The news conference also had more humorous exchanges, with AJ smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre posture before the champion stayed calm and lightly grabbed Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Claims

The surreal nature of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

Joshua, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”

Paul has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be exceptionally large.

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

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

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level but insisted that his rival would not underestimate him.

“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest loss of his life.”

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

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's record, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.

“I would return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”