No Script, Anthony Joshua Will Rapidly Knock Jake Paul Out - Hearn Claims

I've got no substantial defense regarding AJ versus Paul. It's wild that it's happening and I think the skeptics are correct.

However, we just couldn't refuse it. No fighter in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they would are utterly dishonest outright.

We accepted a fight which we believe is quite simple, will give AJ a huge presence in the United States and one of his career-high paydays.

The Strategy Behind This Bout

AJ was going to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi - an eight-rounder versus a guy ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his new coaching staff, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that same run-out but for 50 times more money.

We possess an obvious game plan planned - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we go into regular business resuming next year.

AJ will fight versus a top-tier opponent in February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Tyson Fury.

Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and accepting this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. But losing to Paul or the fight even going the full distance would.

That would be a complete catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged

So many people have come up to me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be against the law. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout on which people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would permit AJ to follow a script with Jake Paul? A plan in which we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

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

Expectations for an Quick Finish

Then there are those saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out in the first round then it's a disgrace.

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

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

We're not going to see AJ charge across the ring immediately and start windmilling.

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

Paul Can Whack a Little Bit

I have heard figures like Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I losing the plot here Is there anything they're seeing 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 globally.

This is not an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves previously. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a total pushover.

Chavez Jr prepared for that bout and was a former titleholder who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.

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

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

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are hoping for many factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ is low in confidence, banking on AJ's durability has deteriorated.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is super switched on. He's had a training camp and he's training like he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois rematch.

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

A shot to Jake Paul to the midsection and he would break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to rise.

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

We don't know how it could play out however with the way AJ throws punches - with the speed and power - the instant a punch lands clean, the fight is over.

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