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The British heavyweight stood by his much-discussed remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on midweek.

The remarks were initially uttered on the previous day when Joshua was questioned if he would show restraint against Paul, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's fight against the internet personality turned fighter has drawn concern over the risk involved and the size difference between the two fighters.

Fury Labels Joshua a “Classless Loser”

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

But the 36-year-old fighter, explained his stance: “It's my job, 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 take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - as long as my hand is held high, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He stated, “That's just the mentality we have to have as boxers. I'm unsure if other fighters think that way. Perhaps they're a bit more conservative. The way my mind works. When you're in the ring, it's a dangerous thing. Anything 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 Fiery Retort

Paul, a huge outsider in the heavyweight contest as a natural cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his retort.

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

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Miami's arena in a fight many consider a glaring mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been sanctioned as an non-professional fight.

The professional contest will be fought over eight 3-minute stanzas using regular 10oz padded gloves, with a specified maximum weight for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Brought In to Save” Boxing

Despite the extreme language used, the fighter suggested he has been “called in to rescue” boxing.

“They want me to put an end to the Jake Paul phenomenon and I comprehend it and that's why I have to bear the sport on my back in this fight,” he concluded.

The event also had lighter exchanges, with Joshua laughing as his rival sang a nursery rhyme to him.

The face-off passed without incident, with Paul adopting a odd pose before Joshua stayed composed and playfully grabbed his chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The peculiar aspect of this fight has led to speculation about its legitimacy, 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 battle,” Jake Paul insisted.

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

He has claimed on social media that the fight earnings will be exceptionally high.

Largest Upset in Sport's History?

Jake Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a massive online audience.

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

“It's a wise move on his part,” Paul commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the biggest loss of his career.”

A win for the underdog would be perhaps the most shocking upset in the sport's annals.

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

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