Without a Script, Joshua Will Rapidly Stop Jake Paul Out - Hearn States

I have no real defense regarding AJ versus Paul. It's insane the fact it's occurring and I believe the naysayers are right.

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

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

The Strategy For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

This was an opportunity to wrap the hands with his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that same tune-up however for about 50 times more purse.

We possess a clear strategy in mind - to knock Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to regular business being resumed in 2026.

AJ will fight against a top-tier fighter in February and - if all goes well - he will then face Tyson Fury.

So there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this bout does not affect AJ's legacy. However a loss against Jake or it even going the full distance would.

It would be a complete catastrophe and terribly humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua 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 it was. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout on which fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would allow AJ to have a pre-written plan with Jake? A plan in which we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are not giving this guy an edge or a chance to claim "told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not take that risk.

Expectations for an Quick Finish

There are also 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 but, goodness, give him two to three rounds just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will end rapidly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to clinch and jab and move, then he might survive a few rounds.

We will not see AJ run across the ring immediately and begin swinging wildly.

Similar to his approach against Ngannou, he will go in there, measure him up and then go in with his power shots.

Paul Can Whack a Little Bit

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I really going crazy ? Is there anything they're seeing that I'm not?

Let us be something right - Jake is a professional boxer. I believe he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.

This isn't a guy who has never laced a pair of gloves before. He can punch a little bit. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.

Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a total pushover.

He prepared for that bout and was a former titleholder who went the distance against Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez in the final round.

So I give credit to Jake for his hard work and showing respect to the craft , and he has done a great deal for female boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

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

The Moment AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are hoping for many things. Hoping AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is super focused. He has completed a training camp and he's training as if he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

I anticipate my fighter to win within two rounds with a brutal KO.

A shot to Jake to the body and he would break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to get up.

Should he land flush, he will put him spark out. Or could intervene.

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

Then we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the remainder he has left in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.