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The British heavyweight doubled down on his controversial remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a news conference in Miami on midweek.

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

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted debate over safety concerns and the size difference between the two competitors.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder The Gypsy King branded Anthony Joshua a “disgrace” for his extreme comments.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his stance: “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. Whatever happens, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Maybe 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 hope your adversary leaves the ring unharmed, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Fiery Response

Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a natural lighter fighter, was no less incendiary in his retort.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” Paul stated. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. We should kill each other.”

Joshua will face Paul, 28, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a fight many regard as a glaring mismatch, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be fought over eight three-minute stanzas using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for the former champion.

He Says He Was “Called In to Save” Boxing

Despite the vulgar terminology used, Joshua claimed he has been “brought in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon and I understand it and that's why I have to carry the sport on my back in this bout,” he added.

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

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre posture before the champion remained composed and lightly grabbed Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

“There's nothing in the agreement, AJ can confirm it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul insisted.

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

Paul has stated on social media that the fight earnings will be extremely high.

Biggest Upset in Boxing History?

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

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

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

A victory for Paul would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the sport's history.

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

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”