No Script, Anthony Joshua Will Rapidly Stop Jake Paul Out - Hearn Asserts

I've got no real defence for AJ versus Jake Paul. It's wild the fact it's happening and I feel the skeptics are right.

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

We took a bout which we think is quite simple, will provide AJ a massive profile in America and one of the highest earnings.

The Strategy Behind the Fight

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

This was an opportunity to wrap the hands with his new training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that same tune-up however for about 50 times more money.

We possess an obvious game plan in mind - to stop Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we return to regular business being resumed in 2026.

Joshua will box against a top-tier opponent 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 bout will not harm AJ's legacy. However losing to Paul or it even going the full distance certainly would.

It would be a complete catastrophe and terribly humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged

A great many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. First of all, we'd be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout on which fans are wagering.

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

We are not providing this guy an edge or an opportunity to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.

Expectations for an Quick Finish

Then there are those who say if AJ doesn't knock him out in the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He's expected to walk through this opponent however, blimey, give him two to three stanzas for safety. Because how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will end rapidly. But if he fights defensively and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he may survive a couple of rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle immediately and begin swinging wildly.

Just like he did against Ngannou, he will go in there, measure him up and then unleash with his power shots.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake out in this fight. Am I losing the plot ? Is there anything they see that I am missing?

Let us be one thing right - Jake is a pro fighter. I think he's a decent 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This is not an individual that has not put on boxing gloves before. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-ten big men.

Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

He prepared for the fight and was a former titleholder who went the distance against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

So I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect for the sport , and he has accomplished so much for female boxing with his promotion company.

But despite his delusion, zeal, dedication and enhanced ability, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on many things. Banking on AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is super focused. He has completed a training camp and he's training like he is facing Usyk or in a potential Dubois rematch.

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

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

If he hits him clean, he will knock him to sleep. Or could jump in.

We don't know how it could play out but given how AJ punches - with his speed and power - as soon as a punch lands on the chin, the contest will end.

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