Without a Script, Joshua Will Quickly Knock Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I have no real justification for AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's wild the fact it's happening and I feel the naysayers are right.

But, we just couldn't refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have said no. Anyone who says they would is utterly dishonest outright.

We took a bout that we think is very straightforward, will provide AJ a massive presence in America and one of the highest earnings.

The Plan For This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest against an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

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

We have an obvious game plan in mind - to knock Jake out asap. After that, we go into normal service being resumed next year.

AJ will fight against a world-class opponent in February and - if all goes well - he will then face Tyson Fury.

So there is logic to this madness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. But losing to Paul or the fight even going the full distance would.

It would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many people have come up to me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be against the law. This is a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.

And do you think I would ever permit AJ to have a pre-written plan involving Jake? A plan in which we could lose or even hold him up? No way.

We are not providing this guy an advantage or a chance to claim "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, allow him two to three rounds just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will determine the speed of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. However if he fights on the back foot and trying to tie him up and jab and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the ring immediately and start windmilling.

Similar to he did against Francis Ngannou, he will step in there, size him up and then go in with his power shots.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I losing the plot ? Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let us be something clear - Jake is a professional boxer. I think he is a respectable cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This isn't an individual who has never put on boxing gloves previously. He can whack a little bit. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Forgetting the victory against Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

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

So I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect to the craft of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for female boxing with his promotion company.

Yet despite his delusion, zeal, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on a lot of things. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, hoping AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, hoping AJ is low in self-belief, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.

But, to their misfortune, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a training camp and he is preparing like he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois rematch.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds with a brutal KO.

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

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

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit clean, the fight is over.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time he has left in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.