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Anthony Joshua stood by his much-discussed remarks about being prepared to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.

The remarks were initially uttered on Tuesday when Joshua was asked if he would show restraint against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

The upcoming fight against the internet personality turned fighter has sparked concern over safety concerns and the size difference between the two fighters.

Tyson Fury Calls AJ a “Classless Loser”

Former titleholder The Gypsy King labeled Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory language.

But the 36-year-old fighter, justified his mindset: “It's my job, we fight. We have a license that permits extreme violence.

“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 raised, that's what's crucial, with all due respect.”

He continued, “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 dangerous thing. Anything can happen.”

“You pray your adversary exits the ring safely, but if they don't, you still have to go to bed knowing you just did your job. It was not personal.”

Paul's Incendiary Response

Paul, a huge underdog in the heavyweight contest as a career lighter fighter, was equally fiery in his response.

“This is a contemporary gladiator 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. We should kill each other.”

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

The official fight will be fought over eight 3-minute rounds using standard ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

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

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

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

The news conference also had lighter exchanges, with AJ laughing as Paul sang ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’ to him.

The final staredown concluded without incident, with the underdog adopting a bizarre pose before the champion stayed calm and playfully grabbed Paul's chain.

Paul & Joshua Deny Scripted Claims

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

“There are no clauses in the contract, AJ can attest to it. We're going to war,” Jake Paul said.

The former champion, wearing a valuable chain, jokingly remarked, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”

Paul has stated on his platforms that the fight earnings will be extremely large.

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an digital influencer, gathering a huge social media following.

He has never fought anyone of Joshua's skill level but insisted that his opponent would take him seriously.

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

A victory for Paul would be arguably the biggest surprise in the boxing's history.

It would undoubtedly leave an indelible stain on his legacy, but the fighter stated it would not spell the end.

“I would return again, shake it off,” he said. “I will be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a player in the game.”