Without a Script, Joshua Will Quickly Stop Jake Paul Out - Hearn Asserts

I've got no real defence for Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's crazy that it's taking place and I feel the naysayers are spot on.

But, we just couldn't turn it down. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they would is completely lying outright.

We took a fight that we think will be quite simple, will give AJ a massive profile in America and among the highest earnings.

The Plan Behind This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi - an eight-round contest against an opponent ranked about 100th in the heavyweight division.

This was an opportunity to wrap the hands by his new coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that same tune-up however for about 50 times more purse.

We have an obvious game plan in mind - to stop Jake out asap. After that, we go into regular business being resumed in 2026.

AJ will fight versus a top-tier opponent in February and - if all goes well - he will then face Tyson Fury.

Therefore there is logic to this madness and taking this bout will not harm Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Jake or the fight even going the distance would.

It would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many individuals have come up to me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be against the law. This is a professional fight and a sanctioned bout on which people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would ever allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A plan in which we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not giving this guy an edge or an opportunity to claim "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to take that risk.

Expectations for an Quick Finish

Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out in 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. Because how Jake approaches it will determine the speed of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will end rapidly. But if he is boxing defensively and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he may survive a couple of rounds.

We will not see AJ run across the ring in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.

Just like his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will go in there, measure him up and then unleash with his power shots.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

I've heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I really going crazy ? Is there something they're seeing that I am missing?

Let's get something clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe 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 previously. He is able to whack with some power. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He prepared for the fight and had been a titleholder who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for women's boxing through his promotion company.

Yet in spite of his delusion, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on many factors. Hoping AJ is underestimating them, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

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

I anticipate my fighter to triumph within two rounds with a brutal KO.

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

If he hits him clean, he will knock him spark out. Or could intervene.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

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