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

I have no real defence regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's wild the fact it's taking place and I think the skeptics are spot on.

However, we just couldn't refuse it. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they would is utterly dishonest outright.

We took a bout which we believe is very straightforward, will give AJ a massive presence in the United States and one of his career-high earnings.

The Plan Behind the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi - an eight-round contest against a guy ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight division.

This was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his fresh training team, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we are doing that same run-out but for about 50 times more purse.

We have an obvious strategy planned - to stop Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we return to regular business being resumed in 2026.

Joshua will box versus a world-class opponent next February and - if all goes well - he will then face Tyson Fury.

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

It would be a complete disaster and awfully humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

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

And does anyone believe I would ever permit AJ to have a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A plan in which we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.

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

Expectations for a Early Knockout

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

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

If he gets brave, it will end quickly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he may last a few rounds.

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

Just like his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will go in there, measure him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

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

Let us be one thing right - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not a guy who has never laced a pair of gloves previously. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was not a total pushover.

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and was a former world champion who went the distance with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio 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 done so much for female boxing through his promotion company.

But in spite of his delusion, zeal, commitment and enhanced ability, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are hoping for many factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is shot, banking on AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks confidence, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He's had a camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois rematch.

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

A shot to Jake Paul to the midsection and it could break his rib cage and he would be unable to get up.

If he hits him clean, he will knock him to sleep. Or the referee.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ throws punches - with the speed and power - the instant Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the remainder of his career in this sport - to fight Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.