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The British heavyweight doubled down on his much-discussed remarks about being prepared to “kill” Jake Paul during a news conference in Miami on Wednesday.

His words were initially uttered on the previous day 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 debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme comments.

But Joshua, 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 just enjoy what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more tame. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray your opponent leaves the ring unharmed, 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

Paul, a massive underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his retort.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he declared. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be zero excuses when it's all over. We should kill each other.”

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a fight many see as a significant mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 three-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

He Claims He Was “Brought In to Save” The Sport

Despite the graphic terminology used, the fighter said 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 boxing on my back in this fight,” he concluded.

The news conference also had lighter moments, with AJ smiling as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded peacefully, with Paul striking a unusual posture before the champion stayed composed and playfully grabbed his necklace.

Both Fighters Dismiss Pre-Arranged Claims

The peculiar nature of this fight has led to speculation about its authenticity, including claims that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

The former champion, wearing a expensive chain, jokingly added, “The only thing in the contract that got my interest was the payment.”

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

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first gained fame as an digital influencer, amassing a massive social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's pedigree but insisted that his rival would not underestimate him.

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

A win for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the boxing's annals.

It would certainly leave an indelible stain on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter stated it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, move on,” he remarked. “I'll be main eventing again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”