Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Rapidly Stop Paul Out - Hearn Claims

I've got no genuine justification for AJ versus Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I feel the critics are right.

But, we just couldn't refuse it. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they would are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We accepted a bout that we think is very straightforward, will give AJ a massive presence in the United States and one of the highest paydays.

The Plan For This Bout

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against a guy who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

This was an opportunity to wrap the hands by his new training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that exact run-out but for about fifty times the money.

We possess an obvious game plan planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to normal service resuming in 2026.

Joshua will box against a world-class fighter next February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

Therefore there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Paul or the fight even going the 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 that were true. It would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match on which fans are wagering.

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

We are certainly not giving this opponent an edge or a chance to claim "told you I am superior to 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 saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out inside the first round then it is a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this opponent but, blimey, allow him two to three stanzas for safety. Because how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will end rapidly. However if he fights defensively and trying to tie him up and jab and move, then he might survive a couple of rounds.

We're not going to see AJ charge across the ring immediately and begin swinging wildly.

Similar to he did against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, size him up and then go in with his power shots.

Paul Can Whack a Little Bit

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake out in this fight. Am I really losing the plot here Is there something they see that I'm not?

Let's get one thing clear - Jake is a pro fighter. I believe he is a respectable cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This isn't a guy who has never laced a pair of gloves previously. He can whack with some power. He spars Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

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

He trained for that bout and was a former titleholder who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

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

Yet despite his self-belief, passion, dedication and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are hoping for a lot of things. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, banking on AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's durability has deteriorated.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is super focused. He's had a camp and he's training as if he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois second fight.

I anticipate my fighter to triumph within two rounds with a brutal KO.

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

If he hits him clean, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively could jump in.

We don't know exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

Then we go back to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.