No Script, Joshua Will Quickly Stop Paul Out - Hearn Asserts

I have no genuine defence for Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's crazy that it's happening and I believe the critics are right.

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

We accepted a fight which we believe is extremely easy, will provide AJ a huge profile in the United States and among the highest paydays.

The Strategy For the Fight

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

It was a chance to wrap the hands with his fresh training team, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we're doing that exact tune-up however for about fifty times the money.

We possess a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. After that, we go into normal service resuming next year.

AJ will fight against a top-tier fighter next February and - if all goes well - he will then face Tyson Fury.

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

That would be a complete disaster and awfully humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many individuals have asked me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match on which fans are wagering.

And do you think I would allow AJ to follow a script with Jake Paul? A script in which we could lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not providing this opponent an edge or a chance to say "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be devastating for AJ and we're not going to risk that.

Expectations for an Quick Finish

There are also those who say if AJ doesn't stop him inside the first round then it's a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this opponent however, goodness, give him two or three stanzas for safety. Since Jake's approach will determine the speed of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will all be over quickly. But if he is boxing defensively and attempting to clinch and jab and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

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

Similar to he did against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, size him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

I have heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying you can't count Jake in this bout. Am I going crazy here Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let us be something clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I think he's a decent 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This isn't an individual that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He is able to punch with some power. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-ten big men.

Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was not a complete mug.

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and had been a world champion who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.

So I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished so much for female boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

But in spite of his self-belief, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he should be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for many things. Hoping AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.

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

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

A shot to Jake Paul to the midsection and he would break his ribs and he would be unable to rise.

If he hits him clean, he will knock him to sleep. Or could intervene.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and destruction - as soon as a punch lands on the chin, the fight is over.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in boxing - to fight Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.