Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Quickly Stop Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Asserts

I have no genuine justification regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's wild the fact it's happening and I think the critics are right.

But, we just couldn't turn it down. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they would is utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We took a bout that we believe will be quite simple, will give AJ a huge profile in the United States and one of the highest paydays.

The Plan Behind This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against a guy who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight division.

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that same tune-up however for about 50 times more money.

We have a clear strategy in mind - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we return to normal service resuming next year.

AJ will fight against a world-class fighter next February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Fury.

So there is logic behind this craziness and accepting this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. But losing to Paul or the fight even going the full distance certainly would.

That would be an absolute disaster and terribly embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many people have asked me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be against the law. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would ever permit AJ to follow a script with Jake? A plan in which we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are not giving this guy an edge or a chance to claim "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.

Public Pressure for a Early Finish

Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He's expected to walk through this guy but, blimey, give him two or three rounds just in case. Since Jake's approach will reflect on the speed of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over rapidly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

We will not see AJ run across the squared circle in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.

Just like he did against Ngannou, he will go in there, measure him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I going crazy here Is there anything they see that I'm not?

Let us be one thing clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he is a respectable cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This isn't a guy who has never laced a pair of gloves previously. He is able to whack with some power. He spars Okolie and top-ten big men.

Putting aside the win over Mike Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was not a complete mug.

He prepared for that bout and was a former titleholder who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect to the craft of boxing and he has done a great deal for female boxing with his promotion company.

But in spite of his self-belief, passion, commitment and improved skills, he should be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on a lot of things. Hoping AJ underestimates them, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's inactivity will be a factor, hoping AJ is low in self-belief, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is super switched on. He's had a training camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.

I expect my fighter to triumph within two rounds via a brutal knockout.

A shot to Jake Paul to the body and he would break his rib cage and he would be unable to get up.

If he hits him clean, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively could jump in.

We don't know how it could play out but given how AJ punches - with the speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

Then we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time he has left in boxing - to fight Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.