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

I've got no real defence regarding Anthony Joshua versus Paul. It's crazy that it's happening and I think the critics are right.

However, we just couldn't reject it. No fighter in their right mind would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse is utterly dishonest outright.

We accepted a fight which we think will be very straightforward, will provide AJ a huge presence in the United States and one of his career-high earnings.

The Plan Behind the Fight

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

This was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his new coaching staff, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that same run-out however for 50 times more money.

We possess an obvious strategy in mind - to stop Jake Paul out as soon as possible. After that, we go into normal service being resumed in 2026.

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

Therefore there is logic to this madness and taking this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. But losing to Jake or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

It would be a complete disaster and awfully humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have come up to me questioning if it's scripted. First of all, we'd be investigated by the FBI if it was. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout on which people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would permit AJ to follow a pre-written plan involving Jake? A plan in which we could lose or even hold him up? No way.

We are not giving this guy an edge or an opportunity to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be devastating for AJ and we're not going to take that risk.

Public Pressure for a Early Finish

Then there are those saying if Anthony Joshua does not stop him inside the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He's expected to walk through this opponent however, blimey, give him two to three rounds just in case. Because Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting 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 in the first few seconds 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 his power shots.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack a Little Bit

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake out in this fight. Am I really losing the plot here Is there anything they're seeing that I'm not?

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

This isn't an individual who has never put on boxing gloves before. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten big men.

Putting aside the victory against 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.

He prepared for the fight and was a former world champion who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez in the final round.

So I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect for the sport , and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

But despite his self-belief, zeal, commitment and enhanced ability, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

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

But, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely switched on. He has completed a training camp and he's training as if he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois rematch.

I expect Anthony Joshua to triumph inside two rounds with a brutal KO.

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

Should he land flush, he will knock him to sleep. Or the referee.

It is unknown how it could play out however given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time of his career in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.