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Anthony Joshua repeated his controversial comments about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were first made on Tuesday when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder The Gypsy King called Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his position: “It's my job, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't grasp it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's important, respectfully.”

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

“You pray your opponent 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.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a considerable outsider in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was no less fiery in his response.

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

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Miami's arena in a fight many see as a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Rescue” The Sport

Despite the graphic language used, the fighter claimed he has been “brought 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 bear the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.

The news conference also had lighter moments, with Joshua smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown passed peacefully, with Paul striking a bizarre posture before Joshua stayed calm and playfully touched his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Allegations

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

“There's nothing in the contract, Joshua can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Jake Paul insisted.

The former champion, sporting a expensive chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the payment.”

He has claimed on social media that the total purse will be extremely large.

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a massive online audience.

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's calibre but maintained that his opponent would take him seriously.

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

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the sport's annals.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's record, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.

“I would come back again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”