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The British heavyweight stood by his much-discussed remarks about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a press event in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were first made on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's contest against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked debate over the risk involved and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Tyson Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Former titleholder Tyson Fury labeled Joshua a “classless loser” for his extreme comments.

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

“I understand many people don't understand it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is held high, that's what's paramount, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the mindset we have to have as warriors. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Maybe they're a bit more tame. 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 was not personal.”

Jake Paul's Incendiary Response

Jake Paul, a considerable underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally incendiary in his response.

“This is a modern day gladiator sport,” he declared. “I'm ready. I want his strongest punches. I want there to be no excuses when it's all over. Let's kill each other.”

Joshua will face his opponent, in his twenties, at Florida's Kaseya Center in a bout many see as a major mismatch, with some arguing it should have been sanctioned as an exhibition bout.

The professional contest will be fought over 8 3-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a stipulated weight limit for the former champion.

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

Despite the graphic language used, Joshua said he has been “brought in to rescue” boxing.

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

The news conference also had more humorous exchanges, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre pose before Joshua stayed composed and playfully touched his necklace.

Paul & Joshua Dismiss Scripted Allegations

The surreal nature of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, including suggestions that Joshua may be restricted from scoring a knockout.

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

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

He has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.

Biggest Shock in Boxing History?

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

He has not faced anyone of the former champion's calibre but insisted that his opponent would not underestimate him.

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

A victory 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 said it would not mean retirement.

“I would return again, move on,” he remarked. “I will be headlining again in a couple of years. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”