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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 midweek.

His words were first made on the previous day when Joshua was asked if he would hold back against Paul, 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 athletes.

Tyson Fury Labels Joshua a “Disgrace”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his stance: “This is what I do, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“I'm sure 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 raised, that's what's important, respectfully.”

He continued, “That's just the mentality we have to have as fighters. I don't know if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more reserved. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a perilous thing. Everything can happen.”

“You hope 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 wasn't personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a career cruiserweight, was no less fiery in his reply.

“This is a modern day combat sport,” he said. “I'm prepared. I want his hardest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all said and done. Let's kill each other.”

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

The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using standard 10oz gloves, with a stipulated maximum weight for Joshua.

Joshua Claims He Was “Brought In to Rescue” Boxing

Despite the extreme terminology used, Joshua said he has been “called in to save” the sport of boxing.

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

The event also had more humorous moments, with AJ smiling as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with Paul adopting a unusual pose before Joshua remained calm and playfully touched Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Scripted Allegations

The peculiar nature of this bout has led to rumors about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

Joshua, wearing a expensive chain, humorously remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the money.”

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

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

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

He has not faced anyone of Joshua's skill level but insisted that his rival would take him seriously.

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

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the sport's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an permanent stain on Joshua's legacy, but the fighter said it would not spell the end.

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