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

I have no genuine justification for AJ vs. Paul. It's insane that it's happening and I feel the naysayers are spot on.

But, we simply could not refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse are completely lying outright.

We took a bout that we think will be quite simple, will give AJ a massive presence in America and one of the highest paydays.

The Strategy Behind the Fight

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

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his new training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that exact tune-up but for 50 times more purse.

We have a clear game plan planned - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we return to normal service resuming in 2026.

AJ will fight versus a world-class fighter in February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Fury.

Therefore there is logic to this madness and taking this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Jake or it even going the full distance certainly would.

It would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged

A great many people have asked me asking if it's scripted. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.

And do you think I would ever allow AJ to follow a script with Jake? A script in which we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to claim "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.

Public Pressure for a Early Finish

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

He's expected to walk through this opponent but, blimey, allow him two to three stanzas for safety. Since Jake's approach will reflect on the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end rapidly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the squared circle in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

Just like he did against Francis Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then go in with his power shots.

Paul Can Whack Somewhat

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

Let's get something right - Jake is a professional boxer. I think he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He is able to punch a little bit. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Forgetting the win over Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a total pushover.

He prepared for that bout and had been a titleholder who went the distance with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I actually credit Jake for his hard work and demonstrating respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for female boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet despite his self-belief, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It's Over

Paul and his camp are banking on many factors. Hoping AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's inactivity will be a factor, banking on AJ lacks confidence, hoping AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely focused. He has completed a training camp and he is preparing as if he is facing 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 it could break his rib cage and he would be unable to get up.

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

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

Then the focus returns to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the remainder he has left in boxing - to fight Tyson Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.