No Script, Anthony Joshua Will Rapidly Knock Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I have no real justification regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I believe the critics are right.

But, we just couldn't refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse is completely lying outright.

We took a fight that we believe will be extremely easy, will give AJ an enormous presence in America and among his career-high earnings.

The Plan Behind the Fight

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against an opponent who was ranked about 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his new training team, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we're doing that same run-out however for fifty times the money.

We possess a clear strategy in mind - to stop Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we go into regular business resuming next year.

AJ will fight versus a world-class opponent in February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Fury.

So there is logic to this madness and taking this bout will not harm AJ's legacy. But losing to Jake or the fight even going the full distance would.

That would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Pre-Arranged

A great many people have asked me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout where people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would ever allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan involving Jake? A plan in which we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not giving this guy an advantage or a chance to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to take that risk.

Expectations for a Quick Knockout

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

He is expected to walk through this guy but, goodness, allow him two to three rounds for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he might last a couple of rounds.

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

Just like his approach against Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack a Little Bit

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I going crazy ? Is there anything they see that I'm not?

Let us be something right - Jake is a pro fighter. I think he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This isn't an individual who has never laced a pair of gloves before. He can whack a little bit. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Forgetting the win over Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

He prepared for the fight and had been a world champion who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing through his promotion company.

Yet despite his self-belief, passion, commitment and enhanced ability, he ought to be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are banking on a lot of factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is shot, hoping AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, hoping AJ lacks confidence, banking on AJ's chin has deteriorated.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He's had a camp and he's training like he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois rematch.

I expect Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds via a devastating knockout.

A shot to Jake Paul to the body and he would break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to rise.

If he hits him clean, he will knock him spark out. Alternatively could intervene.

It is unknown how it could play out but given how AJ punches - with his speed and power - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he aims to accomplish in the time of his career in boxing - to fight Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.