Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Quickly Stop Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Asserts

I've got no substantial defense regarding AJ versus Jake Paul. It's insane that it's occurring and I think the critics are spot on.

But, we simply could not refuse it. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse is 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 one of his career-high earnings.

The Plan For This Bout

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against a guy who was ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that same run-out however for about fifty times the purse.

We have a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we return to normal service being resumed in 2026.

Joshua will box against a world-class opponent next February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Tyson Fury.

Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and accepting this bout does not affect AJ's legacy. However a loss against Jake or the fight even going the distance would.

That would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many individuals have come up to me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we would 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 allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan with Jake Paul? A script where we might lose or even hold him up? No way.

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

Expectations for a Early Finish

There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out in the first round then it's a disgrace.

He is expected to walk through this opponent however, goodness, allow him two to three stanzas just in case. Because Jake's approach will determine the pace of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. However if he is boxing defensively and trying to tie him up and stick and move, then he might last a few rounds.

We will not see AJ run across the squared circle immediately and begin swinging wildly.

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

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

I've heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really losing the plot here Is there something they're seeing that I am missing?

Let us be something right - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I think he's a decent cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 globally.

This is not a guy that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He is able to punch a little bit. He spars Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Putting aside the win over Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

He trained for that bout and had been a titleholder who went to points with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

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

But in spite of his self-belief, passion, dedication and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It Is Finished

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, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's chin has deteriorated.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He's had a camp and he's training as if he is facing Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois rematch.

I anticipate my fighter to triumph within two rounds with a devastating KO.

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

If he hits him clean, he will put him spark out. Alternatively the referee.

We don't know how it could play out however with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - as soon as a punch lands clean, the contest will end.

Then we go back to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.