No Script, Joshua Will Rapidly Knock Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I have no genuine defence regarding AJ versus Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I believe the skeptics are spot on.

But, we simply could not reject it. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they would are completely lying outright.

We accepted a fight which we think is extremely easy, will give AJ an enormous profile in America and among the highest paydays.

The Plan For the Fight

AJ was going to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest against an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

This was a chance to wrap the hands by his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that exact run-out but for about fifty times the purse.

We possess a clear game plan planned - to stop Jake out asap. Then, we return to regular business resuming next year.

AJ will fight against a top-tier fighter in February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Fury.

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

That would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

A great many individuals have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be illegal. This is a professional fight and a sanctioned bout on which fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would ever allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A plan in which we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are not giving this opponent an edge 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 risk that.

Public Pressure for an Quick Knockout

Then there are those saying if AJ doesn't stop him inside the first round then it's an embarrassment.

He is expected to walk through this guy but, goodness, give him two or three rounds for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will all be over quickly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he might last a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the squared circle in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.

Similar to his approach 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 have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I going crazy here Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let's get something right - Jake is a pro fighter. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not a guy who has never put on boxing gloves previously. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

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

He trained for that bout and had been a titleholder who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez in the final round.

So I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and demonstrating respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished so much for female boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

But in spite of his self-belief, zeal, commitment and enhanced ability, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are banking on a lot of factors. Banking on AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

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

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to triumph inside two rounds via a brutal knockout.

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

If he hits him clean, he will put him spark out. Or could jump in.

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

Then the focus returns to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in boxing - to face Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.