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Anthony Joshua doubled down on his much-discussed remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a press event in Miami on midweek.

His words were originally stated on Tuesday when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming bout against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King called Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

But Joshua, justified his mindset: “This is my profession, we fight. We have a licence to kill.

“I'm sure many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's important, with all due respect.”

He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the squared circle, it's a risky thing. Everything can happen.”

“You wish your opponent exits the ring unharmed, 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 Incendiary Retort

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his reply.

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

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Miami's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a significant mismatched contest, with some arguing it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be contested over eight 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

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

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to save” 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 lighter exchanges, with AJ smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a odd posture before Joshua stayed calm and lightly touched Paul's chain.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Claims

The surreal aspect of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including suggestions that Joshua may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can confirm it. We're going to battle,” Paul said.

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

He has stated on social media that the total purse will be extremely high.

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

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

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

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

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the biggest upset in the sport's annals.

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

“I'd come back again, move on,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”