No Script, Joshua Will Swiftly Stop Paul Out - Promoter Hearn States

I have no real justification for Anthony Joshua versus Paul. It's crazy that it's taking place and I think the critics are correct.

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

We took a bout which we think is extremely easy, will provide AJ a massive profile in the United States and among his career-high paydays.

The Strategy For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi - an eight-rounder versus a guy who was ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

It was an opportunity to wrap the hands with his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that same tune-up however for 50 times more purse.

We have a clear strategy in mind - to stop Jake Paul out as soon as possible. After that, we return to regular business being resumed next year.

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

So there's a method to this madness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. However a loss against Jake or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

It would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Not Scripted

So many people have asked me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.

And do you think I would permit AJ to follow a script with Jake? A script in which we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not providing this guy an advantage or a chance to say "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to risk that.

Expectations for an Quick Knockout

Then there are those who say if AJ doesn't knock him out inside the first round then it's an embarrassment.

He's expected to walk through this opponent but, blimey, allow him two to three rounds for safety. Because how Jake approaches it will determine the speed of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will end rapidly. However if he fights defensively and trying to tie him up and jab and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

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

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

Paul Can Whack a Little Bit

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

Let's get one thing clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I think he's a decent 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This is not a guy that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He can whack with some power. He spars Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Putting aside the win over Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He trained for that bout and was a former titleholder who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake for his hard work and demonstrating respect for the sport , and he has done a great deal for female boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet despite his self-belief, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he should be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are banking on a lot of things. Banking on AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's inactivity will be a factor, banking on AJ is low in self-belief, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.

But, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely switched on. He's had a training camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois rematch.

I expect my fighter to triumph inside two rounds via a brutal knockout.

He could hit Jake to the body and he would break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to get up.

If he hits him clean, he will put him spark out. Alternatively could jump in.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ throws punches - with the speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the remainder of his career in boxing - to face Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.