No Script, Joshua Will Rapidly Knock Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I've got no real defense regarding AJ versus Jake Paul. It's wild the fact it's happening and I believe the naysayers are correct.

But, we just couldn't reject it. No fighter in their right mind would have said no. Anybody claiming they would is completely lying outright.

We accepted a bout that we believe is quite simple, will give AJ an enormous presence in the United States and among the highest paydays.

The Plan Behind the Fight

AJ was going to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against an opponent ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his fresh training team, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we're doing that same tune-up however for about 50 times more purse.

We have an obvious game plan in mind - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we return to regular business resuming in 2026.

AJ will fight versus a world-class opponent in February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Fury.

So there's a method to this madness and accepting this bout does not affect AJ's legacy. But a loss against Jake or it even going the distance would.

It would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged

A great many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match on which people are betting.

And do you think I would ever permit AJ to have a pre-written plan with Jake Paul? A script in which we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

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

Public Pressure for a Quick Finish

Then there are those who say if AJ doesn't stop him inside the first round then it's a disgrace.

He is expected to dominate this guy however, blimey, allow him two or three stanzas for safety. Because Jake's approach will determine the speed of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will all be over quickly. But if he fights defensively and trying to tie him up and stick and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the ring in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

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

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas stating you can't count Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really losing the plot ? Is there something they see that I am missing?

Let us be one thing right - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not an individual that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-10 big men.

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

He trained for the fight and was a former titleholder who went to points with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and showing respect to the craft , and he has done so much for women's boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet in spite of his delusion, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he ought to be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are hoping for a lot of factors. Hoping AJ underestimates them, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He has completed a camp and he is preparing as if he's fighting Usyk or in a potential Dubois rematch.

I expect my fighter to triumph inside two rounds via a brutal KO.

A shot to Jake Paul to the midsection and he would break his rib cage and he would be unable to get up.

Should he land flush, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively the referee.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however with the way AJ punches - with his speed and destruction - as soon as Jake is hit clean, 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 Tyson Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.