Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Quickly Stop Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn States

I have no substantial defense regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul. It's crazy the fact it's occurring and I feel the critics are correct.

However, we simply could not turn it down. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse are completely lying through their teeth.

We took a fight which we believe is quite simple, will provide AJ a massive profile in the United States and one of his career-high earnings.

The Plan Behind the Fight

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

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his new coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we are doing that same run-out however for 50 times more purse.

We possess a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. Then, we return to normal service being resumed in 2026.

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

So there's a method behind this craziness and taking this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. However a loss against Jake or it even going the full distance would.

That would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Scripted

So many people 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 where people are betting.

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

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

Public Pressure for a Early Knockout

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

He's expected to walk through this opponent but, goodness, give him two or three stanzas for safety. Since Jake's approach will determine the speed of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. However if he is boxing defensively and trying to tie him up and jab and move, then he might last a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the squared circle in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

Similar to he did against Ngannou, he will step in there, measure him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Paul Can Whack Somewhat

I have heard figures like Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas stating you can't count Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really losing the plot here Is there anything they see that I'm not?

Let us be something right - Jake is a professional boxer. 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 is able to punch a little bit. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.

Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was not a total pushover.

He 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 his hard work and showing respect to the craft , and he has done a great deal for female boxing through his promotion company.

But in spite of his delusion, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are banking on a lot of factors. Banking on AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is super focused. He's had a camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Usyk or in a potential Dubois second fight.

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

A shot to Jake Paul to the body and he would break his ribs and he would be unable to rise.

Should he land flush, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively the referee.

We don't know how it could play out but with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and destruction - as soon as Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

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