No Script, Joshua Will Rapidly Stop Jake Paul Out - Hearn States

I have no real defence regarding AJ vs. Paul. It's insane that it's happening and I think the critics are right.

However, we simply could not turn it down. No boxer who is sensible would have said no. Anyone who says they'd refuse are utterly dishonest outright.

We took a fight that we think is extremely easy, will provide AJ a massive profile in the United States and one of the highest earnings.

The Plan For the Fight

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

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his new training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that exact tune-up however for 50 times more money.

We have a clear strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to normal service resuming in 2026.

AJ will fight versus a top-tier fighter next February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Fury.

So there is logic to this madness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. But a loss against Jake or the fight even going the full distance would.

That would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many people have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be illegal. This is a professional contest 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 plan in which we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not giving this opponent an edge or a chance to say "told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.

Expectations for an Early Knockout

There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out inside the first round then it's a disgrace.

He's expected to walk through this guy but, blimey, allow him two to three stanzas just in case. Since Jake's approach will reflect on the pace of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he might survive a few rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle immediately and start windmilling.

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

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying you can't count Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really going crazy ? Is there something they see that I'm not?

Let's get something right - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This isn't a guy who has never put on boxing gloves before. He can punch with some power. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Forgetting the win over 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 was a former world champion who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and showing respect to the craft of boxing and he has accomplished so much for female boxing with his promotion company.

But despite his self-belief, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he ought to be being knocked out by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are banking on a lot of factors. Hoping AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks confidence, hoping AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

But, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely switched on. He's had a training camp and he is preparing like he is facing Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds with a devastating knockout.

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

Should he land flush, he will knock him to sleep. Alternatively could intervene.

We don't know how it could play out but given how AJ punches - with his speed and destruction - as soon as Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

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