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

I have no substantial defence for AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's wild that it's occurring and I think the critics are spot on.

However, we simply could not turn it down. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they would is completely lying through their teeth.

We accepted a bout which we think is quite simple, will give AJ an enormous presence in America and one of his career-high earnings.

The Strategy For This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against an opponent ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight division.

It was an opportunity to wrap the hands by his new training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that exact run-out however for 50 times more purse.

We possess a clear strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. After that, we go into normal service being resumed next year.

Joshua will box versus a top-tier fighter in February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

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

That would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted

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

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

We are certainly not giving this guy an advantage or a chance to claim "told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for AJ and we will not risk that.

Public Pressure for an Quick Finish

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 walk through this guy but, goodness, give him two or three stanzas for safety. Because Jake's approach will reflect on the speed of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will end quickly. But if he fights on the back foot and attempting 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 begin swinging wildly.

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

Paul Can Whack a Little Bit

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really going crazy ? Is there something they're seeing that I am missing?

Let's get something clear - Jake is a pro fighter. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not a guy that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He is able to punch with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-10 big men.

Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

He prepared for that bout and had been a world champion who went the distance with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect to the craft , and he has done so much for women's boxing through his promotion company.

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

The Moment AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are banking on many factors. Hoping AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will be a factor, hoping AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He has completed a camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Usyk or in a potential Dubois rematch.

I expect my fighter to triumph inside two rounds with a devastating knockout.

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

Should he land flush, he will put him to sleep. Or could jump in.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ throws punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant a punch lands clean, the contest will end.

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