Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Quickly Knock Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I have no genuine defense regarding AJ vs. Paul. It's crazy the fact it's occurring and I think the naysayers are correct.

But, we just couldn't reject it. No fighter in their right mind would have said no. Anybody claiming they would is utterly dishonest outright.

We took a fight that we believe will be extremely easy, will give AJ a massive profile in the United States and among the highest earnings.

The Strategy Behind the Fight

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 rankings.

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his new training team, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we're doing that exact tune-up however for about 50 times more money.

We possess an obvious strategy in mind - to knock Jake out asap. After that, we go into normal service resuming next year.

Joshua will box against a top-tier opponent in February and - if all goes well - he will then face Fury.

So there is logic behind this craziness and taking this fight does not affect AJ's legacy. However a loss against Paul or the fight even going the full distance would.

It would be an absolute disaster and awfully embarrassing.

This Bout Is Not Scripted

So many individuals have come up to me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by the FBI if it was. It would be illegal. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where fans are wagering.

And do you think I would permit AJ to have a pre-written plan with Jake? A script in which we might lose or even hold him up? No way.

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

Public Pressure for an Early Knockout

Then there are those saying if AJ doesn't knock him out inside the first round then it is a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this opponent however, blimey, give him two or three rounds for safety. Because how Jake approaches it will determine the pace of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over rapidly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and trying to tie him up and stick 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 start windmilling.

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

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack a Little Bit

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I really losing the plot here Is there something they see that I am missing?

Let's get one thing right - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I think he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This isn't a guy who has never laced a pair of gloves before. He is able to whack with some power. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Forgetting the win over Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was not a complete mug.

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and had been a titleholder who went the distance against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has done a great deal for female boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet despite his self-belief, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It's Over

Paul and his camp are banking on many factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, hoping AJ lacks confidence, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He has completed a camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.

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

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

Should he land flush, he will put him spark out. Or could jump in.

We don't know exactly how it will unfold however with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder of his career in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.