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

I have no substantial defence regarding AJ versus Jake Paul. It's insane that it's occurring and I feel the skeptics are correct.

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

We took a bout that we believe will be quite simple, will provide AJ an enormous profile in America and among his career-high paydays.

The Plan For This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest versus a guy ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight division.

This was an opportunity to wrap the hands with his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we are doing that same run-out however for fifty times the purse.

We have an obvious strategy in mind - to stop Jake Paul out asap. Then, we go into normal service being resumed next year.

AJ will fight versus a world-class fighter next February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

Therefore there's a method to this madness and accepting this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. However losing to Paul or the fight even going the distance would.

That would be an absolute disaster and terribly embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

So many people have asked me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match on which fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would ever permit AJ to have a script with Jake? A plan where we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are certainly not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to say "told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be catastrophic for AJ and we're not going to risk that.

Public Pressure for a Quick Finish

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

He's expected to dominate this guy however, blimey, allow him two to three stanzas just in case. Because 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 attempting to clinch and jab and move, then he may last a few rounds.

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

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

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

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

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 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 heavyweights.

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

He trained for that bout and had been a titleholder who went the distance against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

So I give credit to Jake for his hard work and demonstrating respect for the sport of boxing and he has done a great deal for women's boxing through his promotion company.

But in spite of his delusion, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are hoping for many factors. Hoping AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in confidence, banking on AJ's durability has deteriorated.

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

I expect Anthony Joshua to triumph within two rounds with a devastating knockout.

He could hit Jake Paul to the midsection and it could break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to get up.

Should he land flush, he will put him to sleep. Or could jump in.

We don't know how it could play out but given how AJ punches - with the speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

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