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

I've got no substantial defence for AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's insane that it's happening and I think the skeptics are right.

However, we just couldn't refuse it. No fighter in their right mind would have said no. Anybody claiming they'd refuse is completely lying through their teeth.

We accepted a fight which we believe is extremely easy, will provide AJ a huge presence in the United States and among his career-high earnings.

The Strategy Behind the Fight

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus a guy who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

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

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

Joshua will box against a world-class opponent next February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Fury.

So there's a method to this madness and accepting this bout will not harm Joshua's legacy. But losing to Jake or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

That would be a complete catastrophe and terribly humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Scripted

So many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we would be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.

And do you think I would allow AJ to have 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 opponent an advantage or an opportunity to say "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to risk that.

Expectations for a Quick Knockout

There are also those who say if AJ doesn't stop him in the first round then it's an embarrassment.

He's expected to dominate this guy but, blimey, give him two to three stanzas for safety. Because Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over rapidly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he might survive a few rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.

Just like he did against Francis Ngannou, he will go into the ring, measure him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Paul Can Whack a Little Bit

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

Let us be one thing right - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This isn't an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He is able to whack a little bit. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Putting aside the win over Mike Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was not a complete mug.

He prepared for the fight and had been a world champion who went to points against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I give credit to Jake for his hard work and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for female boxing with his promotion company.

Yet in spite of his self-belief, passion, commitment and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are hoping for a lot of factors. Banking on AJ underestimates him, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

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

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to triumph inside two rounds with a devastating KO.

A shot to Jake Paul to the body and it could break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to get up.

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

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however with the way AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

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