Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Asserts

I have no real defense regarding AJ versus Paul. It's crazy the fact it's taking place and I believe the critics are right.

But, we just couldn't reject it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are completely lying outright.

We accepted a fight that we think will be extremely easy, will provide AJ a huge profile in the United States and one of his career-high earnings.

The Strategy Behind This Bout

AJ was going to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest against an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his new coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we are doing that same run-out but for 50 times more money.

We possess a clear strategy planned - to stop Jake Paul out as soon as possible. After that, we return to normal service being resumed in 2026.

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

Therefore there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Paul or it even going the distance certainly would.

That would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many individuals have asked me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by the FBI if it was. It would be illegal. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where fans are wagering.

And do you think I would permit AJ to follow a pre-written plan with Jake Paul? A script in which we could lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are certainly not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to claim "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.

Public Pressure for a Early Knockout

Then there are those who say if AJ doesn't stop him inside the first round then it is a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this guy but, goodness, allow him two to three stanzas for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will determine the pace of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the squared circle in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

Similar to his approach against Ngannou, he will step in there, size him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas stating you can't count Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really going crazy ? Is there anything they see that I am missing?

Let us be something clear - Jake is a professional boxer. I think he is a respectable cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 globally.

This isn't a guy who has never put on boxing gloves previously. He can punch a little bit. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-ten big men.

Putting aside the win over Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

He trained for the fight and was a former titleholder who went the distance with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

So I actually credit Jake for his hard work and demonstrating respect to the craft , and he has done so much for women's boxing through his promotion company.

Yet despite his delusion, zeal, dedication and enhanced ability, he ought to be being knocked out by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are hoping for many things. Hoping AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is past his best, banking on 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 extremely switched on. He's had a camp and he is preparing as if he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois second fight.

I expect my fighter to win within two rounds with a devastating KO.

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

Should he land flush, he will knock him to sleep. Or could jump in.

We don't know exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ throws punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant 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 time of his career in this sport - to fight Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.