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The British heavyweight doubled down on his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming fight against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury called Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But Joshua, justified his position: “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 take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You hope your opponent 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 heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was no less combative in his response.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he stated. “I'm prepared. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should 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 arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be contested over 8 three-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for the former champion.

Joshua Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

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

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

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul striking a unusual pose before the champion remained calm and lightly grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Claims

The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to rumors about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

“There are no clauses in the contract, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to war,” Paul insisted.

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

He has stated on his platforms that the total purse will be exceptionally large.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a massive online audience.

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

“It's smart on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the largest loss of his life.”

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

It would certainly leave an permanent stain on his legacy, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the sport.”