Without a Script, Joshua Will Swiftly Stop Jake Paul Out - Hearn Claims

I've got no substantial defence regarding AJ versus Paul. It's crazy the fact it's occurring and I feel the naysayers are correct.

But, we simply could not refuse it. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they would are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We accepted a bout that we think is extremely easy, will give AJ a massive profile in America and among the highest paydays.

The Strategy For the Fight

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi - an eight-round contest against an opponent ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight division.

It was a chance to wrap the hands with his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that exact run-out but for about 50 times more purse.

We possess a clear strategy in mind - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we return to normal service resuming next year.

AJ will fight against a top-tier fighter next February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Fury.

So there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this bout will not harm AJ's legacy. However losing to Paul or the fight even going the full distance certainly would.

It would be a complete disaster and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

So many people have come up to me asking if it's scripted. First of all, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be illegal. This is a professional contest and a sanctioned bout on which fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan with Jake Paul? A plan where we might lose or even hold him up? No way.

We are certainly not providing this opponent an advantage or an opportunity to claim "told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to risk that.

Expectations for an Quick Knockout

Then there are those saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out inside the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He is expected to dominate this guy but, blimey, allow him two or three rounds just in case. Because how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will end quickly. But if he is boxing defensively and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he might survive a few rounds.

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

Similar to he did against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch Somewhat

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Atlas stating you can't count Jake out in this fight. Am I really losing the plot ? Is there something they're seeing that I am missing?

Let's get something clear - Jake is a pro fighter. I believe he is a respectable cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This isn't an individual who has never laced a pair of gloves previously. He can whack a little bit. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.

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

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and was a former titleholder who went the distance against Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

So I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has done so much for women's boxing with his promotion company.

But in spite of his self-belief, zeal, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are banking on a lot of factors. Hoping AJ underestimates them, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's inactivity will be a factor, hoping AJ lacks confidence, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a training camp and he's training as if he is facing Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to triumph within two rounds with a devastating knockout.

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 spark out. Or 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 on the chin, the contest will end.

Then we go back to AJ's primary objectives he aims to accomplish in the remainder of his career in this sport - to face Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.