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Anthony Joshua stood by his controversial remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.

His words were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted concern over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two competitors.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his inflammatory comments.

But Joshua, defended his position: “This is my profession, 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 - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. 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 risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish 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 purely professional.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a huge underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his retort.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a fight many regard as a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing

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

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

The event also had more humorous exchanges, with Joshua smiling as his rival sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The face-off concluded peacefully, with the underdog adopting a bizarre posture before the champion remained calm and playfully touched his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Allegations

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

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

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

Paul has stated on social media that the total purse will be extremely large.

Biggest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a massive social media following.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's pedigree but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

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

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the sport's history.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's record, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”