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

I have no real defense regarding AJ versus Jake Paul. It's crazy the fact it's taking place and I believe the critics are spot on.

However, we just couldn't turn it down. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse are completely lying outright.

We took a fight which we believe will be extremely easy, will give AJ a massive profile in America and among the highest earnings.

The Strategy Behind This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus an opponent ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

It was a chance to wrap the hands with his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we are doing that exact tune-up however for fifty times the purse.

We possess a clear game plan planned - to stop Jake Paul out asap. After that, we go into regular business resuming in 2026.

Joshua will box versus a top-tier fighter in February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Tyson Fury.

So there's a method behind this craziness and taking this bout does not affect AJ's legacy. But losing to Jake or it even going the full distance would.

That would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. That would be against the law. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.

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

We are certainly not giving this opponent an edge or a chance to claim "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be catastrophic for AJ and we will not take that risk.

Public Pressure for an Quick Finish

Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out in the first round then it's a disgrace.

He is expected to dominate this guy however, goodness, allow him two to three stanzas for safety. Because Jake's approach will determine the speed of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will all be over quickly. But if he fights defensively and trying to clinch and jab and move, then he may survive a few rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

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

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

I have heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas stating you can't count Jake in this bout. Am I going crazy here Is there anything they're seeing that I'm not?

Let us be something clear - Jake is a professional boxer. I think he's a decent 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 globally.

This isn't a guy that has not put on boxing gloves before. He is able to whack with some power. He spars Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and had been a world champion who went the distance with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for female boxing through his promotion company.

Yet despite his self-belief, zeal, dedication and enhanced ability, he ought to be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are hoping for many things. Hoping AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is shot, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.

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

I expect my fighter to win within two rounds via a devastating KO.

He could hit 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 to sleep. Alternatively could intervene.

It is unknown how it could play out but with the way AJ throws punches - with the speed and power - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time of his career in this sport - to face Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.