Without a Script, Joshua Will Swiftly Stop Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I've got no real defence regarding Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul. It's wild the fact it's happening and I feel the skeptics are spot on.

But, we simply could not refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse are completely lying through their teeth.

We took a fight which we think is very straightforward, will give AJ a massive presence in the United States and one of the highest earnings.

The Plan Behind This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest versus an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we're doing that exact tune-up however for fifty times the purse.

We have an obvious strategy in mind - to knock Jake out asap. Then, we return to regular business being resumed next year.

Joshua will box against a world-class fighter in February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Fury.

Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and taking this bout does not affect AJ's legacy. But a loss against Paul or the fight even going the distance would.

That would be a complete catastrophe and awfully embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

A great many individuals have asked me asking if it's scripted. First of all, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be illegal. This is a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would ever allow AJ to have a pre-written plan with Jake? A script where we might lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not giving this guy an advantage or an opportunity to say "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to risk that.

Expectations for an Early Knockout

There are also those saying if AJ doesn't knock him out in the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He's expected to walk through this opponent but, goodness, allow him two to three rounds for safety. Since Jake's approach will determine the pace of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. However if he is boxing defensively and trying to tie him up and jab and move, then he may survive a few rounds.

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

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

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat

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

Let us be one thing clear - Jake is a professional boxer. I believe he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not 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 big men.

Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

He trained for the fight and was a former world champion who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I give credit to Jake for training hard and demonstrating respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished so much for female boxing through his promotion company.

But in spite of his delusion, passion, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for a lot of things. Banking on AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, banking on AJ lacks confidence, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He's had a training camp and he's training as if he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

I expect my fighter to triumph inside two rounds with a brutal KO.

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

Should he land flush, he will put him spark out. Or could intervene.

We don't know exactly how it will unfold however with the way AJ punches - with his speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit clean, the fight is over.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the time of his career in boxing - to fight Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.