Without a Script, Joshua Will Quickly Knock Paul Out - Hearn States

I've got no real defense regarding AJ versus Jake Paul. It's crazy the fact it's occurring and I feel the critics are spot on.

However, we simply could not refuse it. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We accepted a fight which we believe will be very straightforward, will provide AJ an enormous profile in the United States and one of the highest earnings.

The Strategy For This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against an opponent ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that same run-out but for about 50 times more purse.

We have an obvious strategy in mind - to stop Jake out asap. After that, we go into normal service being resumed in 2026.

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

So there is logic to this madness and accepting this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. But a loss against Jake or it even going the distance certainly would.

That would be a complete disaster and awfully humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

So many individuals have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. First of all, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout on which fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would permit AJ to follow a pre-written plan involving Jake? A plan in which we could lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not giving this guy an edge or a chance to say "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be catastrophic for AJ and we will not take that risk.

Expectations for an Early Knockout

Then there are those saying if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it's a disgrace.

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

Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. But if he is boxing defensively and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he might survive a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the squared circle immediately and begin swinging wildly.

Similar to his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will go into the ring, measure him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack a Little Bit

I have heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I losing the plot ? Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let us be something clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This is not a guy who has never laced a pair of gloves before. He can punch with some power. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

Chavez Jr prepared for that bout and had been a world champion who went the distance with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

So I actually credit Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for women's boxing with his promotion company.

But despite his self-belief, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are banking on many factors. Hoping AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks confidence, banking on AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He has completed a training camp and he is preparing like he is facing Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds via a brutal KO.

He could hit Jake Paul to the midsection and he would break his rib cage and he would be unable to get up.

If he hits him clean, he will put him spark out. Or the referee.

We don't know how it could play out however with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit clean, the fight is over.

Then the focus returns to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time he has left in this sport - to face Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.