No Script, Anthony Joshua Will Quickly Stop Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I've got no genuine justification for Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's crazy that it's taking place and I think the naysayers are spot on.

However, we simply could not turn it down. No boxer who is sensible would have said no. Anyone who says they'd refuse are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We accepted a fight which we think is very straightforward, will provide AJ a huge profile in America and one of the highest earnings.

The Strategy Behind This Bout

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against a guy ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.

This was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his new coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that exact tune-up however for fifty times the money.

We have a clear game plan in mind - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we go into regular business being resumed in 2026.

Joshua will box versus a top-tier opponent next February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Fury.

Therefore there is logic to this madness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. However a loss against Paul or the fight even going the distance would.

That would be an absolute disaster and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have come up to me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by the FBI if it was. It would be against the law. This is a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match on which fans are wagering.

And do you think I would ever permit AJ to follow a script with Jake? A plan in which we might lose or even hold him up? No way.

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

Public Pressure for an Quick Finish

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

He is expected to dominate this opponent but, goodness, give him two or three rounds just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he may survive a few rounds.

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

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

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack a Little Bit

I've heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I losing the plot here Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let's get one thing clear - Jake is a professional boxer. I believe he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.

This isn't an individual that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He can punch with some power. He spars Okolie and top-ten big men.

Putting aside the win over Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

Chavez Jr trained for that bout and was a former world champion who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I give credit to Jake for training hard and showing respect for the sport , and he has done a great deal for women's boxing with his promotion company.

Yet despite his self-belief, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he ought to be being knocked out by Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It's Over

Paul and his camp are banking on many factors. Hoping AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's chin has deteriorated.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely focused. He's had a camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Usyk or in a potential Dubois second fight.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds with a devastating KO.

He could hit Jake Paul to the midsection and it could break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to get up.

If he hits him clean, he will knock him spark out. Alternatively could intervene.

We don't know how it could play out but given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in boxing - to fight Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.