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

I've got no genuine defense for AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I feel the skeptics are spot on.

However, we just couldn't refuse it. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are completely lying through their teeth.

We accepted a bout that we believe is very straightforward, will give AJ an enormous presence in the United States and among the highest paydays.

The Plan Behind the Fight

AJ was going to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi - an eight-round contest against an opponent ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

This was a chance to wrap the hands by his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that same run-out but for fifty times the money.

We possess a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we return to normal service being resumed in 2026.

AJ will fight versus a world-class fighter in February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

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

That would be a complete catastrophe and terribly humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Scripted

So many individuals have asked me asking if it's scripted. First of all, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match on which people are betting.

And do you think I would ever allow AJ to have a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A script where we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not giving this guy an advantage or a chance to say "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we will not take that risk.

Expectations for an Quick Knockout

There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He is expected to walk through this opponent but, blimey, allow him two or three stanzas just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. But if he is boxing defensively and trying to tie him up and stick and move, then he might survive a few rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle immediately and start windmilling.

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

Paul Can Punch a Little Bit

I've heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas stating you can't count Jake in this bout. Am I going crazy ? Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let us be one thing right - Jake is a pro fighter. I believe he is a respectable cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This is not an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves previously. He is able to whack a little bit. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.

Forgetting the win over Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and was a former titleholder who went to points with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I give credit to Jake Paul for training hard and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has done a great deal for female boxing through his promotion company.

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

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on many factors. Banking on AJ underestimates them, hoping AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, banking on AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a camp and he is preparing like he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Dubois second fight.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds via a brutal KO.

He could hit Jake Paul to the body and it could break his ribs and he would be unable to get up.

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

We don't know exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit clean, the fight is over.

Then the focus returns to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the time he has left in boxing - to face Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.