Without a Script, Joshua Will Quickly Stop Jake Paul Out - Hearn Claims

I have no genuine defense regarding AJ vs. Paul. It's wild the fact it's taking place and I think the naysayers are right.

But, we simply could not reject it. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they would are completely lying outright.

We accepted a bout that we think will be very straightforward, will give AJ a massive presence in America and among his career-high paydays.

The Strategy For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus a guy ranked around 100th in the heavyweight division.

This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we are doing that same tune-up however for 50 times more purse.

We have a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we go into normal service being resumed next year.

AJ will fight against a top-tier opponent next February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Fury.

So there's a method to this madness and accepting this fight does not affect AJ's legacy. However losing to Paul or it even going the full distance would.

It would be an absolute disaster and awfully embarrassing.

This Bout Is Not Scripted

A great many people have come up to me asking whether it's fixed. First of all, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match where fans are wagering.

And do you think I would permit AJ to follow a pre-written plan with Jake? A script where we could lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to say "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be catastrophic for AJ and we're not going to take that risk.

Public Pressure for a Quick Finish

There are also those saying if AJ doesn't stop him inside the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He's expected to walk through this guy but, blimey, allow him two to three rounds just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. However if he fights defensively and trying to tie him up and stick and move, then he may last a few rounds.

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

Just like he did against Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch Somewhat

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas stating you can't count Jake Paul in this bout. Am I going crazy here Is there anything they see that I'm not?

Let's get one thing right - Jake is a professional boxer. I think he's a decent cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This is not a guy who has never put on boxing gloves before. He is able to punch a little bit. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He prepared for that bout and had been a titleholder who went the distance with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I give credit to Jake for his hard work and showing respect to the craft , and he has done a great deal for female boxing with his promotion company.

Yet in spite of his delusion, zeal, commitment and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on many things. Hoping AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He's had a camp and he is preparing as if he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.

I expect my fighter to win inside two rounds with a devastating knockout.

He could hit Jake to the midsection and he would break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to get up.

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

We don't know exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ throws punches - with the speed and power - as soon as a punch lands clean, the fight is over.

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