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

I've got no real justification regarding AJ vs. Paul. It's insane the fact it's taking place and I think the critics are correct.

But, we just couldn't reject it. No fighter who is sensible would have said no. Anybody claiming they'd refuse is completely lying outright.

We took a fight that we think will be very straightforward, will provide AJ a huge profile in America and one of his career-high paydays.

The Strategy Behind the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against an opponent who was ranked about 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

It was an opportunity to wrap the hands by his new training team, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we're doing that same run-out however for 50 times more purse.

We have a clear strategy in mind - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we return to regular business resuming in 2026.

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

So there is logic to this madness and taking this fight does not affect AJ's legacy. However losing to Paul or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

That would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. That would be illegal. This is a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where people are betting.

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

We are certainly not providing this opponent an edge or an opportunity to say "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to take that risk.

Public Pressure for a Early Knockout

There are also those who say if AJ doesn't stop him inside the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He is expected to dominate this opponent however, blimey, allow him two to three rounds for safety. Because Jake's approach will reflect on the speed of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will end quickly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and trying to tie him up and stick and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ charge across the ring in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.

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

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

I've heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I really going crazy ? Is there anything they see that I am missing?

Let's get something right - Jake is a pro fighter. I think he's a decent 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This is not an individual that has not put on boxing gloves before. He is able to punch with some power. He spars Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

He trained for the fight and was a former world champion who went to points with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and demonstrating respect for the sport of boxing and he has done so much for female boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet despite his delusion, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are banking on many things. Hoping AJ is underestimating them, banking on AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping 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 as if he's fighting Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois rematch.

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

He could hit Jake to the body and he would break his rib cage and he would be unable to get up.

Should he land flush, he will knock him spark out. Alternatively could intervene.

It is unknown how it could play out but with the way AJ punches - with his speed and power - as soon as a punch lands on the chin, the contest will end.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in boxing - to fight Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.