Without a Script, Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn States

I have no real justification regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I feel the naysayers are correct.

However, we just couldn't turn it down. No fighter who is sensible would have said no. Anybody claiming they'd refuse is utterly dishonest outright.

We accepted a bout which we think is extremely easy, will give AJ an enormous profile in America and among his career-high earnings.

The Strategy Behind the Fight

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

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his new coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we are doing that exact run-out but for about fifty times the purse.

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

AJ will fight against a top-tier opponent next February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Fury.

So there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. But a loss against Jake or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

That would be an absolute disaster and terribly humiliating.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted

So many individuals have come up to me questioning whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by the FBI if it was. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.

And do you think I would ever allow AJ to follow a script involving Jake? A script where we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.

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

Expectations for an Early Finish

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

He is expected to dominate this guy but, goodness, allow him two to three rounds for safety. Since Jake's approach will determine the pace of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will end quickly. However if he is boxing defensively and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he might last a few rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the ring immediately and start windmilling.

Similar to he did against Ngannou, he will step in there, measure him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch Somewhat

I've heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I going crazy here Is there anything they see that I am missing?

Let us be one thing right - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I think he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This isn't a guy who has never put on boxing gloves before. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten big men.

Forgetting the victory against Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was not a complete mug.

Chavez Jr trained for that bout and had been a world champion who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I give credit to Jake for training hard and showing respect to the craft , and he has accomplished a great deal for women's boxing through his promotion company.

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

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are hoping for many things. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, banking on AJ is shot, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He's had a camp and he is preparing like he is facing Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

I expect Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds via a devastating knockout.

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

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

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder of his career in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.