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

I have no genuine justification for Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul. It's crazy the fact it's taking place and I feel the skeptics are spot on.

However, we just couldn't refuse it. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We took a fight that we think will be very straightforward, will give AJ a massive profile in America and one of his career-high paydays.

The Plan For the Fight

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

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that same tune-up but for about fifty times the money.

We possess an obvious game plan planned - to stop Jake out asap. After that, we go into normal service being resumed in 2026.

Joshua will box versus a top-tier opponent in February and - if all goes well - he will then face Fury.

So there's a method to this madness and taking this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Jake or the fight even going the full distance would.

It would be a complete catastrophe and terribly embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Pre-Arranged

A great many individuals have come up to me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.

And do you think I would permit AJ to have a script with Jake Paul? A plan where we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance 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

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

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

Should he come forward, it will all be over quickly. However if he is boxing defensively and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he might survive a few rounds.

We will not see AJ run across the squared circle in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.

Similar to his approach against Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then unleash with his power shots.

Paul Can Whack Somewhat

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really losing the plot here Is there anything they see that I'm not?

Let us be something right - Jake is a pro fighter. I think he's a decent 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

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

Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was not a total pushover.

Chavez Jr prepared for that bout and had been a world champion who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

So I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect for the sport , and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet in spite of his delusion, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are hoping for a lot of factors. Banking on AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ is low in confidence, banking on AJ's chin 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 Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to triumph inside two rounds via a devastating knockout.

A shot to Jake Paul to the midsection and it could break his ribs and he would be unable to get up.

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

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

Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in boxing - to fight Tyson Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.