No Script, Anthony Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Asserts

I have no genuine defence for AJ vs. Paul. It's insane that it's occurring and I feel the naysayers are right.

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

We accepted a fight that we believe is quite simple, will give AJ a huge profile in the United States and one of the highest paydays.

The Strategy For the Fight

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

This 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 fifty times the purse.

We have a clear game plan in mind - to knock Jake out asap. After that, we return to normal service resuming in 2026.

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

Therefore there is logic to this madness and accepting this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. However losing to Jake or it even going the distance certainly would.

It would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

A great many individuals have come up to me questioning if it's scripted. First of all, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be illegal. This is a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would ever permit AJ to have a script involving Jake? A plan where we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not providing this guy an advantage or a chance to say "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be devastating for AJ and we're not going to take that risk.

Expectations for an Early Finish

Then there are those who say if AJ doesn't knock him out inside the first round then it is a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this guy however, blimey, allow him two to three stanzas for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will determine the speed of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will end rapidly. But if he fights on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and stick and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We will not see AJ run across the squared circle immediately and start windmilling.

Similar to his approach against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then unleash with his power shots.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch Somewhat

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Atlas stating you can't count Jake out in this fight. Am I losing the plot here Is there anything they see that I am missing?

Let's get one thing clear - Jake is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This isn't an individual that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He can whack a little bit. He spars Okolie and top-ten big men.

Forgetting the win over Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was not a total pushover.

He trained for that bout and had been a world champion who went the distance against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and demonstrating respect for the sport , and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing with his promotion company.

But in spite of his delusion, passion, commitment and improved skills, he should be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on a lot of things. Hoping AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ is low in confidence, banking on AJ's chin has deteriorated.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely switched on. He's had a camp and he's training as if he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.

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

He could hit Jake to the body and it could break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to rise.

If he hits him clean, he will knock him to sleep. Or could jump in.

We don't know exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ punches - with his speed and power - the instant Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

Then the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder of his career in boxing - to face Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.