Without a Script, Joshua Will Rapidly Knock Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Asserts

I've got no substantial defense for AJ versus Jake Paul. It's insane that it's occurring and I believe the naysayers are spot on.

However, we just couldn't refuse it. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they would are utterly dishonest outright.

We took a fight that we think will be very straightforward, will provide AJ a huge profile in America and one of the highest paydays.

The Strategy For This Bout

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against an opponent ranked about 100th in the heavyweight division.

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his new coaching staff, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we are doing that same tune-up however for about fifty times the purse.

We have a clear game plan in mind - to stop Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to normal service being resumed in 2026.

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

Therefore there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. However losing to Jake or the fight even going the full distance would.

It would be a complete catastrophe and terribly humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

A great many people have come up to me questioning whether it's fixed. First of all, we would be investigated by the FBI if it was. It would be against the law. This is a professional fight and a sanctioned bout where people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would ever permit AJ to follow a script with Jake Paul? A plan where we might lose or even hold him up? No way.

We are not providing this opponent an edge or an opportunity to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.

Public Pressure for an Quick Finish

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

He's expected to dominate this opponent however, goodness, allow him two or three rounds for safety. Since Jake's approach will determine the speed of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. But if he fights on the back foot and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the squared circle in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

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

Paul Can Punch a Little Bit

I've heard figures like Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas saying you can't count Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really losing the plot ? Is there anything they see that I'm not?

Let's get something right - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not a guy who has never laced a pair of gloves previously. He can whack a little bit. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Putting aside the win over Mike Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and was a former world champion who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and demonstrating respect to the craft of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for women's boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

But in spite of his delusion, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he should be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for many factors. Hoping AJ underestimates him, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's chin has deteriorated.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is super switched on. He's had a camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois rematch.

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

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

Should he land flush, he will put him spark out. Or the referee.

It is unknown how it could play out however with the way AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant a punch lands on the chin, the fight is over.

Then the focus returns to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in this sport - to fight Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.