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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed comments about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on Wednesday.

These statements were originally stated on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against Paul, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two athletes.

Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Anthony Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme rhetoric.

But the 36-year-old fighter, defended his position: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I understand many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, 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 knowing you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Response

Jake Paul, a massive outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally combative in his reply.

“This is a contemporary gladiator sport,” Paul declared. “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.”

Joshua will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many consider a significant mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

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

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

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

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

The face-off passed without incident, with the underdog striking a odd pose before the champion stayed calm and lightly touched his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The unusual aspect of this bout has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the money.”

Paul has claimed on social media that the total purse will be extremely high.

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

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

He has never fought 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 said. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest loss of his career.”

A victory for the underdog would be arguably the biggest surprise in the sport's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's record, but the fighter said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I'll be main eventing again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the sport.”