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The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

His words were originally stated on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would show restraint against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory comments.

But Joshua, justified his mindset: “This is what I do, 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 take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. 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 squared circle, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You hope your opponent leaves the ring in good health, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was purely professional.”

Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a considerable outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was no less fiery in his reply.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” he said. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many regard as a significant mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute rounds using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for the former champion.

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

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

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

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

The face-off concluded peacefully, with Paul striking a unusual pose before the champion remained calm and lightly touched his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The peculiar nature of this fight has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can attest to it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul insisted.

Joshua, wearing a expensive chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the payment.”

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

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an online prankster, gathering a huge social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's calibre but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.

“It's smart on his part,” Paul commented. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his career.”

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on his record, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”