Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Swiftly Stop Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I've got no substantial defense for Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's wild that it's taking place and I believe the naysayers are right.

However, we just couldn't turn it down. No fighter in their right mind would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse is completely lying outright.

We accepted a bout that we believe will be very straightforward, will provide AJ a huge profile in America and one of his career-high earnings.

The Plan Behind the Fight

AJ was going to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against a guy who was ranked about 100th in the heavyweight division.

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that same run-out but for 50 times more purse.

We have an obvious strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to normal service being resumed in 2026.

AJ will fight versus a world-class opponent in February and - if all goes well - he will then face Fury.

Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and taking this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. However losing to Paul or the fight even going the distance would.

It would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many people have asked me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be against the law. This is a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match where fans are wagering.

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

We are not providing this opponent an advantage or an opportunity to say "told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to take that risk.

Public Pressure for an Early Finish

There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it is a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this guy but, blimey, allow him two to three stanzas for safety. Because how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will all be over quickly. However if he fights on the back foot and trying to clinch and jab and move, then he might last a couple of rounds.

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

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

Paul Can Whack a Little Bit

I have heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really going crazy here Is there something they see that I am missing?

Let's get one thing clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I believe he is a respectable cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This isn't an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He is able to punch a little bit. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Forgetting the victory against Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He prepared for the fight 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 training hard 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 self-belief, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he should be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on many things. Hoping AJ underestimates him, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, hoping AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He has completed a camp and he's training as if he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois rematch.

I expect my fighter to win inside two rounds with a brutal KO.

A shot to Jake to the body and it could break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to get up.

Should he land flush, he will knock him to sleep. Or the referee.

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

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