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

I have no real justification for AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's insane that it's occurring and I feel the critics are correct.

However, we simply could not refuse it. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse is utterly dishonest outright.

We took a bout that we think is very straightforward, will provide AJ a massive profile in America and among the highest paydays.

The Strategy Behind This Bout

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

This was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that exact tune-up but for 50 times more money.

We possess an obvious strategy planned - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we go into regular business resuming next year.

AJ will fight against a world-class opponent next February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

So there's a method to this madness and accepting this bout will not harm Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Jake or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

That would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

So many people have asked me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. That would be illegal. This is a professional contest and a sanctioned bout on which people are betting.

And do you think I would ever allow AJ to have a script with Jake? A script in which we could lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not giving this guy an edge or a chance to say "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be catastrophic for AJ and we're not going to risk that.

Public Pressure for an Early Knockout

There are also those saying if AJ doesn't knock him out in the first round then it is a disgrace.

He's expected to walk through this opponent however, blimey, allow him two to three stanzas just in case. Because Jake's approach will determine the speed of the finish.

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

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

Just like his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I really going crazy here Is there anything they see that I am missing?

Let's get one thing clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 globally.

This isn't an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves previously. He can whack with some power. He spars Okolie and top-ten big men.

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

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and was a former world champion who went to points with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has done a great deal for female boxing with his promotion company.

But in spite of his self-belief, passion, commitment and improved skills, he should be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It's Over

Jake and his team are hoping for a lot of things. Banking on AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in confidence, banking on AJ's chin has deteriorated.

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

I anticipate my fighter to win inside two rounds with a devastating KO.

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

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

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

Then we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time he has left in boxing - to face Tyson Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.