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

I've got no substantial defense for AJ vs. Paul. It's wild the fact it's taking place and I feel the critics are right.

However, we simply could not refuse it. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they would is utterly dishonest outright.

We accepted a fight which we think will be quite simple, will give AJ an enormous profile in the United States and among the highest paydays.

The Plan Behind This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against an opponent ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his new training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that same run-out but for 50 times more purse.

We possess an obvious game plan in mind - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we go into normal service resuming in 2026.

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

Therefore there is logic to this madness and accepting this bout will not harm Joshua's legacy. However losing to Paul or it even going the full distance would.

That would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Scripted

A great many individuals have come up to me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be illegal. This is a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match on which fans are wagering.

And do you think I would ever permit AJ to have a script involving Jake? A plan where we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are not providing this guy an edge or an opportunity to say "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be catastrophic for AJ and we're not going to take that risk.

Expectations for a Quick Finish

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

He is expected to dominate this guy however, goodness, allow him two to three rounds for safety. Because how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. However if he fights defensively and attempting to clinch and jab and move, then he might survive a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ charge across the ring immediately and start windmilling.

Just like he did against Ngannou, he will step in there, size him up and then unleash with his power shots.

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

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

Let's get one thing right - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 globally.

This is not an individual who has never laced a pair of gloves previously. He is able to whack with some power. He spars Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Forgetting the win over Mike Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He trained for the fight and had been a world champion who went to points with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez in the final round.

So I give credit to Jake Paul for training hard and showing respect to the craft of boxing and he has done so much for female boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet in spite of his delusion, passion, dedication and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are hoping for a lot of factors. Hoping AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is shot, banking on AJ's inactivity will be a factor, hoping AJ is low in self-belief, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He's had a camp and he is preparing like he is facing Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois rematch.

I expect Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds via a devastating KO.

A shot to Jake Paul to the midsection and it could break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to rise.

Should he land flush, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively could jump in.

It is unknown how it could play out but given how AJ throws punches - with the speed and destruction - as soon as Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's primary objectives he aims to accomplish in the time he has left in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.