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The British heavyweight stood by his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

His words were first made on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked criticism over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Ex- world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury called Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his position: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I'm sure many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent leaves the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a massive outsider in the fight as a career lighter fighter, was equally combative in his response.

“This is a contemporary combat sport,” Paul declared. “I'm ready. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

AJ will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many see as a major mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be fought over 8 three-minute stanzas using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for Joshua.

Joshua Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

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

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

The news conference also had more humorous moments, with AJ smiling as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog striking a odd posture before Joshua remained calm and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Allegations

The peculiar aspect of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that he may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, wearing a expensive necklace, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the money.”

He has claimed on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

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

He has never fought anyone of the former champion's pedigree 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 largest loss of his life.”

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

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

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”