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

I've got no substantial justification for AJ versus Jake Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I feel the skeptics are spot on.

However, we simply could not reject it. No fighter who is sensible would have said no. Anyone who says they'd refuse is utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We accepted a bout that we think is very straightforward, will give AJ a huge presence in the United States and one of the highest paydays.

The Strategy For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest against an opponent ranked around 100th in the heavyweight division.

This was an opportunity to wrap the hands with his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that exact run-out however for about 50 times more money.

We possess an obvious strategy planned - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we return to normal service resuming in 2026.

Joshua will box versus a top-tier fighter next February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

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

It would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged

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

And does anyone believe I would permit AJ to have a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A plan where we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not providing this opponent an edge or an opportunity to claim "told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.

Expectations for a Early Knockout

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

He's expected to dominate this guy but, blimey, give him two to three stanzas just in case. Because Jake's approach will reflect on the speed of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will end rapidly. However if he fights on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle immediately and start windmilling.

Similar to he did against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, size him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Paul Can Punch a Little Bit

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas stating you can't count Jake Paul in this bout. Am I losing the plot ? Is there something they're seeing that I am missing?

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

This isn't an individual who has never put on boxing gloves before. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Forgetting the win over Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

He prepared for that bout and had been a world champion who went the distance against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake for training hard and demonstrating respect to the craft of boxing and he has accomplished so much for female boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

But despite his delusion, passion, commitment and enhanced ability, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on a lot of things. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in self-belief, banking on AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

But, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely focused. He's had a camp and he's training like he's fighting Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.

I expect Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds via a brutal KO.

He could hit Jake Paul to the body and he would break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to get up.

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

We don't know exactly how it will unfold however with the way AJ punches - with the speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the remainder he has left in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.