Without a Script, Joshua Will Rapidly Knock Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Asserts

I've got no real justification regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul. It's insane that it's taking place and I believe the naysayers are correct.

However, we just couldn't reject it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anybody claiming they would are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We took a fight which we think is quite simple, will give AJ a massive presence in the United States and among the highest paydays.

The Strategy For This Bout

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

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his new coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that exact run-out however for about 50 times more money.

We possess a clear strategy in mind - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we return to normal service resuming in 2026.

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

So there's a method behind this craziness and taking this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. However losing to Paul or it even going the full distance certainly would.

It would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted

So many people have asked me asking if it's scripted. First of all, we'd be investigated by the FBI if it was. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout on which people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would permit AJ to follow a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A plan where we could lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are not providing this opponent an edge or a chance to say "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for AJ and we're not going to take that risk.

Expectations for an Early Knockout

Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not stop him inside the first round then it is a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this opponent but, blimey, give him two or three stanzas for safety. Since Jake's approach will reflect on the speed of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end rapidly. However if he fights defensively and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he may survive a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the ring immediately and begin swinging wildly.

Just like his approach against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Paul Can Whack Somewhat

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas stating you can't count Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I going crazy ? Is there something they see that I am missing?

Let us be one thing clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I believe he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not an individual that has not put on boxing gloves before. He is able to punch with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten big men.

Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was not a total pushover.

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

So I actually credit Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect to the craft of boxing and he has done a great deal for female boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

But in spite of his self-belief, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for many factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's durability has deteriorated.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He's had a training camp and he is preparing as if he's fighting Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

I anticipate my fighter to win inside two rounds with a devastating KO.

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

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

We don't know exactly how it will unfold but with the way AJ throws punches - with the speed and destruction - as soon as a punch lands on the chin, the fight is over.

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