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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.

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

Saturday's contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his mindset: “It's my job, 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 - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I don't know 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 hope your opponent leaves the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed aware you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Retort

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

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” he stated. “I'm ready. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many consider a major mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an non-professional fight.

The official fight will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Called In to Rescue” The Sport

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

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

The news conference also had more humorous moments, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a bizarre pose before Joshua remained calm and lightly touched Paul's chain.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Claims

The peculiar nature of this fight has led to questions about its authenticity, including claims that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, wearing a valuable necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the purse.”

Paul has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely high.

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

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

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

“It's a wise move on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest defeat of his career.”

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest surprise in the boxing's annals.

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

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the sport.”