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

I've got no real defence for AJ vs. Paul. It's insane that it's happening and I believe the naysayers are correct.

However, we simply could not refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have said no. Anyone who says they would are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We took a fight which we believe is quite simple, will provide AJ an enormous presence in the United States and among the highest earnings.

The Plan For This Bout

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against a guy ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.

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

We possess a clear strategy planned - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we go into normal service being resumed next year.

Joshua will box versus a world-class fighter in February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Tyson Fury.

So there's a method to this madness and taking this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. But losing to Jake or the fight even going the full distance would.

That would be a complete catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

So many people have come up to me questioning whether it's fixed. First of all, we'd be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout on which fans are wagering.

And do you think I would ever allow AJ to have a script with Jake Paul? A script in which we might lose or even hold him up? No way.

We are not providing this opponent an edge or a chance to say "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be devastating for AJ and we will not take that risk.

Expectations for a Early Knockout

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

He is expected to dominate this guy but, blimey, allow him two to three rounds for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end rapidly. However if he is boxing defensively and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he might survive a couple of rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the ring immediately and begin swinging wildly.

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

Paul Can Punch a Little Bit

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Atlas stating you can't count Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I really losing the plot ? Is there anything they see that I am missing?

Let us be one thing clear - Jake is a professional boxer. I think he's a decent 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This is not an individual who has never put on boxing gloves before. He can punch with some power. He spars Okolie and top-10 big men.

Putting aside the win over Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

Chavez Jr trained for that bout and was a former titleholder who went to points with 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 , and he has done a great deal for women's boxing with his promotion company.

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

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on a lot of things. Hoping AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He has completed a camp and he's training like he is facing Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.

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

He could hit 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 spark out. Or could jump in.

We don't know exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - as soon as Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.

Then we go back to AJ's primary objectives he aims to accomplish in the time of his career in boxing - to fight Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.