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

I have no substantial justification regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul. It's crazy the fact it's happening and I think the skeptics are correct.

However, we simply could not turn it down. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anybody claiming they would are completely lying outright.

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

The Strategy For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest versus a guy ranked around 100th in the heavyweight division.

This was an opportunity to wrap the hands by his new training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that same tune-up however for fifty times the money.

We possess a clear strategy planned - to stop Jake Paul out asap. Then, we return to regular business resuming in 2026.

Joshua will box versus a world-class opponent in February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Fury.

So there is logic behind this craziness and taking this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. But losing to Paul or it even going the full distance would.

It would be a complete disaster and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged

So many people have asked me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout on which people are betting.

And do you think I would allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan with Jake? A plan in which we could lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

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

Public Pressure for an Early Knockout

Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He's expected to dominate this opponent however, goodness, give him two to three stanzas just in case. Because how Jake approaches it will determine the speed of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. But if he fights on the back foot and attempting to clinch and jab and move, then he might last a couple of rounds.

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

Just like his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will go into the ring, measure him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

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

Let's get something clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I believe he is a respectable cruiserweight - 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 a little bit. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Forgetting the victory against Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He trained for the fight and was a former titleholder who went the distance with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect for the sport , and he has done a great deal for women's boxing with his promotion company.

Yet despite his delusion, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he ought to be being knocked out by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are banking on many factors. Hoping AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks confidence, banking on AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He has completed a training camp and he is preparing like he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois second fight.

I anticipate my fighter to win within two rounds via a devastating KO.

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

Should he land flush, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively could intervene.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ punches - with the speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit clean, the fight is over.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he aims to accomplish in the time of his career in boxing - to face Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.