Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Rapidly Knock Paul Out - Promoter Hearn States

I've got no real justification regarding Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I believe the skeptics are correct.

But, we simply could not turn it down. No boxer in their right mind would have said no. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are completely lying outright.

We accepted a fight that we believe is quite simple, will give AJ a huge presence in America and one of the highest earnings.

The Plan Behind the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against a guy who was ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

This was a chance to wrap the hands with his new training team, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we're doing that same tune-up however for 50 times more money.

We have a clear strategy in mind - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we return to normal service resuming next year.

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

So there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. But a loss against Jake or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

It would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly humiliating.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would allow AJ to follow a script involving Jake Paul? A plan in which we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not giving this opponent an edge or an opportunity to say "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be devastating for AJ and we will not take that risk.

Public Pressure for a Early Knockout

There are also those saying if AJ doesn't stop him in the first round then it is a disgrace.

He is expected to dominate this guy but, blimey, give him two to three rounds just in case. Because Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. However if he fights on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ charge across the ring immediately and start windmilling.

Just like he did against Francis Ngannou, he will go in there, size him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Paul Can Whack Somewhat

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake out in this fight. Am I really losing the plot here Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let's get one thing clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 globally.

This isn't a guy who has never put on boxing gloves before. He can punch a little bit. He's sparring Okolie and top-10 big men.

Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was an old man, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and was a former titleholder who went to points against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I give credit to Jake for training hard and demonstrating respect to the craft of boxing and he has accomplished so much for female boxing through his promotion company.

But in spite of his delusion, passion, commitment and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are hoping for a lot of things. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in self-belief, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.

But, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely focused. He has completed a camp and he's training like he is facing Usyk or in a potential Dubois second fight.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds with a brutal knockout.

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

Should he land flush, he will knock him to sleep. Alternatively could jump in.

It is unknown how it could play out however with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - the instant a punch lands on the chin, the contest will end.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the time he has left in boxing - to face Tyson Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.