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The British heavyweight doubled down on his provocative remarks about wanting to “kill” Jake Paul during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.

These statements were originally stated on the previous day when the boxer was questioned if he would show restraint against the social media star, responding that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the YouTuber-turned-boxer has sparked debate over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Ex- world heavyweight champion The Gypsy King branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.

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

“I'm sure many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I just enjoy what I do. Whatever happens, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, with all due respect.”

He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. 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 ring, it's a risky thing. Anything can happen.”

“You hope your adversary 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 wasn't personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

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

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

AJ will face Paul, in his twenties, at Miami's arena in a bout many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over eight three-minute rounds using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

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

Despite the vulgar language used, the fighter suggested he has been “brought in to rescue” the sport of boxing.

“They want me to stop the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to carry boxing on my back in this bout,” he concluded.

The event also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as Paul sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with Paul striking a bizarre posture before the champion stayed composed and playfully grabbed Paul's necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Claims

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

“There's nothing in the contract, Joshua can attest to it. We're going to war,” Paul said.

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the contract that got my attention was the money.”

Paul has claimed on his platforms that the total purse will be extremely large.

Largest Shock in Sport's History?

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

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

“It's a wise move on his part,” he said. “This could possibly be, and will be, the greatest defeat of his life.”

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking surprise in the boxing's history.

It would certainly leave an permanent mark on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.

“I'd return again, shake it off,” he remarked. “I will be main eventing again in a year or two. It is what it is. I'm a player in the sport.”