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Anthony Joshua repeated his controversial comments about wanting to “kill” his opponent during a media gathering in Miami on Wednesday.

These statements were first made on the previous day when the boxer was asked if he would hold back against the social media star, replying that “if I can kill you, I'll kill”.

Saturday's bout against the internet personality turned fighter has attracted concern over safety concerns and the physical disparity between the two athletes.

Fury Calls Joshua a “Disgrace”

Ex- titleholder Tyson Fury branded Joshua a “disgrace” for his inflammatory rhetoric.

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

“I'm sure many people don't comprehend it but this is what my job is. I take pleasure in what I do. The outcome, happens - provided that my hand is raised, that's what's crucial, respectfully.”

He added, “That's just the psychology we have to have as fighters. I'm unsure if other boxers think that way. Maybe 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 adversary 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.”

Paul's Incendiary Retort

Paul, a huge outsider in the fight as a natural cruiserweight, was equally incendiary in his response.

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

AJ will face his opponent, 28, at Florida's arena in a fight many consider a significant mismatched contest, with some suggesting it should have been approved as an exhibition bout.

The official fight will be contested over 8 3-minute rounds using regular ten-ounce padded gloves, with a specified weight limit for Joshua.

He Says He Was “Called In to Save” The Sport

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

“They want me to stop 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 Paul adopting a odd pose before the champion stayed calm and playfully touched Paul's necklace.

Both Fighters Deny Pre-Arranged Allegations

The surreal nature of this bout has led to speculation about its authenticity, including suggestions that he may be prohibited from knocking Paul out.

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

Joshua, sporting a valuable necklace, jokingly added, “The only thing in the agreement that got my interest was the purse.”

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

Biggest Shock in Sport's History?

Paul first made his name as an online prankster, gathering a huge social media following.

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

“It's smart on his part,” he commented. “This could potentially be, and will be, the largest loss of his career.”

A victory for the underdog would be perhaps the biggest upset in the sport's annals.

It would certainly leave an indelible mark on his record, but the athlete said it would not mean retirement.

“I'd come back again, shake it off,” he said. “I'll be headlining again in a year or two. That's life. I'm a competitor in the game.”