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

I've got no real defence for Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul. It's crazy that it's taking place and I believe the critics are right.

But, we just couldn't turn it down. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse is completely lying outright.

We accepted a bout that we think is extremely easy, will provide AJ a huge presence in America and among the highest earnings.

The Plan For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against a guy ranked around 100th in the heavyweight division.

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that same tune-up but for 50 times more money.

We have a clear strategy in mind - to stop Jake Paul out as soon as possible. After that, we go into regular business being resumed next year.

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

Therefore there's a method to this madness and accepting this bout does not affect AJ's legacy. But a loss against Paul or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

That would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many individuals have come up to me questioning whether it's fixed. First of all, we would be investigated by the FBI if it was. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.

And do you think I would permit AJ to follow a script with Jake? A plan where we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not providing this guy an advantage or a chance to say "told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for AJ and we're not going to risk that.

Public Pressure for a Quick Finish

Then there are those saying if AJ doesn't stop him in the first round then it's a disgrace.

He is expected to dominate this opponent however, blimey, give him two to three stanzas for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will determine the pace of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. However if he fights defensively and attempting to clinch and jab and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the ring immediately and start windmilling.

Just like he did against Francis Ngannou, he will go in there, measure him up and then go in with his power shots.

Paul Can Punch a Little Bit

I have heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake out in this fight. Am I going crazy here Is there anything they're seeing that I'm not?

Let us be something clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

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-10 heavyweights.

Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

Chavez Jr trained for the fight and was a former world champion who went to points against Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez in the final round.

So I give credit to 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 Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet in spite of his delusion, zeal, commitment and enhanced ability, he ought to be being knocked out by Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Paul and his camp are banking on many things. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

But, to their misfortune, AJ is super switched on. He's had a camp and he's training like he is facing Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.

I anticipate my fighter to triumph inside two rounds via a devastating knockout.

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

If he hits him clean, he will knock him to sleep. Or the referee.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but with the way AJ throws punches - with the speed and destruction - as soon as Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder of his career in this sport - to fight Tyson Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.