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The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.

His words were first made on the previous day when the boxer was asked 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 attracted debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “This is what I do, 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 love what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. 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 ring, it's a perilous thing. Anything 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 purely professional.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Retort

Paul, a massive underdog in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his retort.

“This is a modern day gladiator 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. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be contested over 8 three-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the extreme terminology used, the fighter suggested he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.

“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this fight,” he added.

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

The face-off passed peacefully, with the underdog striking a bizarre posture before Joshua remained calm and playfully touched his chain.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Allegations

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

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

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

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

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

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

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but maintained that his opponent would not underestimate him.

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

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

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Joshua's record, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the game.”