No Script, Joshua Will Quickly Stop Paul Out - Hearn Asserts

I have no substantial defense for AJ versus Jake Paul. It's wild that it's taking place and I think the critics are right.

But, we just couldn't turn it down. No fighter in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they would are utterly dishonest outright.

We took a bout which we believe is extremely easy, will give AJ a huge presence in the United States and one of his career-high earnings.

The Plan Behind This Bout

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

This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his new training team, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we're doing that same tune-up however for about fifty times the money.

We have a clear game plan in mind - to stop Jake Paul out asap. Then, we return to regular business resuming in 2026.

AJ will fight versus a world-class fighter next February and - if all goes well - he will then face Tyson Fury.

So there is logic to this madness and accepting this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Paul or it even going the full distance certainly would.

That would be an absolute disaster and awfully humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

A great many individuals have come up to me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match on which people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would allow AJ to have a pre-written plan with Jake Paul? A script where we might lose or even hold him up? No way.

We are not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to say "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.

Expectations for a Quick Knockout

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

He is expected to walk through this guy but, blimey, give him two or three rounds just in case. Because how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of destruction.

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

We will not see AJ run across the ring in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

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

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat

I have heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul 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 right - Jake is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This is not a guy that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He is able to punch with some power. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.

Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

He prepared for the fight and had been a titleholder who went the distance against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.

So I actually credit Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect for the sport , and he has done so much for female boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

But in spite of his self-belief, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on many factors. Banking on AJ underestimates them, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ is low in self-belief, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

But, to their misfortune, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a camp and he's training as if he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Dubois second fight.

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

A shot to Jake to the body and he would break his ribs and he would be unable to rise.

If he hits him clean, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively could jump in.

We don't know exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - as soon as Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.

Then the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the time he has left in this sport - to face Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.