No Script, Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Paul Out - Hearn Claims

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

But, we simply could not turn it down. No fighter in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they would is utterly dishonest outright.

We took a bout which we think is very straightforward, will give AJ an enormous profile in the United States and among his career-high paydays.

The Plan For the Fight

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

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we're doing that same tune-up however for fifty times the purse.

We possess an obvious game plan planned - to knock Jake out asap. After that, we go into normal service being resumed in 2026.

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

So there's a method behind this craziness and taking this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. However losing to Paul or it even going the full distance would.

It would be a complete catastrophe and awfully embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted

So many individuals have come up to me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would permit AJ to follow a script with Jake? A plan where we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are certainly not giving this guy an edge or an opportunity to say "told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to take that risk.

Public Pressure for a Quick Knockout

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

He's expected to dominate this guy however, blimey, give him two or three stanzas just in case. Since Jake's approach will determine the speed of the finish.

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

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

Just like his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will step into the ring, size him up and then go in with his power shots.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack a Little Bit

I've heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I really going crazy ? Is there anything they see that I'm not?

Let's get one thing right - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I believe he is a respectable cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This isn't a guy who has never laced a pair of gloves previously. He can whack a little bit. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten big men.

Forgetting the win over Mike Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

Chavez Jr prepared for that bout and had been a world champion who went to points with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I actually credit Jake for training hard and showing respect for the sport , and he has accomplished so much for female boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet despite his delusion, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for many things. Hoping AJ underestimates him, banking on AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is super focused. He's had a training camp and he is preparing like he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

I expect Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds with a brutal knockout.

A shot to Jake Paul to the body and he would break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to rise.

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

It is unknown how it could play out however with the way AJ punches - with his speed and power - as soon as 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 boxing - to fight Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.