Without a Script, Joshua Will Rapidly Knock Paul Out - Hearn Claims

I have no substantial justification regarding AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's wild the fact it's happening and I believe the critics are spot on.

However, we simply could not reject it. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they would is utterly dishonest outright.

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

The Strategy For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus a guy ranked about 100th in the heavyweight division.

It was a chance to wrap the hands with his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we are doing that exact tune-up but for about 50 times more money.

We possess an obvious strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to regular business resuming next year.

Joshua will box versus a top-tier fighter in February and - if all goes well - he will then face Tyson Fury.

So there is logic behind this craziness and accepting this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Jake or it even going the full distance would.

That would be a complete catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

So many people have asked me asking if it's scripted. First of all, we'd be investigated by the FBI if it was. It would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match on which fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would ever allow 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 providing this guy an advantage or an opportunity to say "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we will not take that risk.

Public Pressure for a Quick Knockout

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

He is expected to dominate this guy however, blimey, allow him two or three stanzas just in case. Because Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. But if he fights defensively and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he might last a couple of rounds.

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

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

Paul Can Punch a Little Bit

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

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

This isn't an individual that has not put on boxing gloves before. He is able to punch with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Forgetting the victory against Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was not a total pushover.

Chavez Jr prepared for that bout and had been a titleholder who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect for the sport , and he has done so much for female boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet in spite of his self-belief, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It Is Finished

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

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He's had a training camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.

I anticipate my fighter to triumph within two rounds via a devastating KO.

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

If he hits him clean, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively the referee.

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

Then we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time he has left in boxing - to fight Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.