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

I've got no real defense for Anthony Joshua versus Paul. It's insane the fact it's occurring and I feel the critics are spot on.

However, we simply could not refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have said no. Anybody claiming they would is completely lying through their teeth.

We took a fight which we think will be quite simple, will provide AJ a huge profile in America and one of his career-high paydays.

The Plan Behind This Bout

AJ was going to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest versus a guy who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight division.

This was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his fresh training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that same run-out however for fifty times the money.

We possess a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we return to regular business resuming in 2026.

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

So there is logic behind this craziness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. However a loss against Paul or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

That would be a complete disaster and terribly humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

So many people have come up to me questioning if it's scripted. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if that were true. That would be illegal. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.

And do you think I would ever allow AJ to have a script involving Jake? A script where we might lose or even hold him up? No way.

We are not giving this guy an advantage or an opportunity to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to risk that.

Expectations for a Early Knockout

There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out inside the first round then it's an embarrassment.

He's expected to dominate this opponent however, blimey, give him two to three rounds just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will determine the speed of destruction.

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

We're not going to see AJ charge across the ring in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

Just like he did against Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then unleash with his power shots.

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

I've heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas saying you can't count Jake in this bout. Am I really losing the plot ? Is there something they're seeing that I'm not?

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

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

Putting aside the win over Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

He prepared for the fight and had been a titleholder who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.

So I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and demonstrating respect to the craft of boxing and he has done so much for women's boxing through his promotion company.

Yet in spite of his delusion, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are banking on many factors. Hoping AJ is underestimating him, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks confidence, banking on AJ's chin has deteriorated.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a training camp and he's training like he is facing Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois second fight.

I expect my fighter to triumph within two rounds via a brutal KO.

He could hit Jake to the midsection and he would break his rib cage and he would be unable to get up.

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

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however with the way AJ throws punches - with the speed and power - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.

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