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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his controversial comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on midweek.

These statements were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was questioned if he would hold back against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming contest against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has drawn debate over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

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

But Joshua, explained his mindset: “It's my job, 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. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He added, “That's just the psychology 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 perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You wish your adversary leaves 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 huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his retort.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul stated. “I'm prepared. I want his most powerful punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many consider a glaring mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

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

He Says He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport

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

“They want me to halt 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 exchanges, with Joshua laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul striking a bizarre pose before the champion remained composed and playfully grabbed his chain.

Both Fighters Dismiss Scripted Claims

The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

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

The former champion, sporting a valuable chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my attention was the purse.”

He has stated on social media that the total purse will be exceptionally large.

Largest Shock in Boxing History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a massive social media following.

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest loss of his career.”

A win for Paul would be arguably the most shocking surprise in the sport's annals.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the athlete stated it would not mean retirement.

“I would come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a competitor in the game.”