No Script, Anthony Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Jake Paul Out - Hearn Asserts

I have no genuine defence regarding Anthony Joshua versus Paul. It's wild that it's taking place and I believe the skeptics are correct.

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

We accepted a bout which we believe is quite simple, will give AJ an enormous profile in America and one of his career-high earnings.

The Plan For This Bout

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight division.

This was a chance to wrap the hands by his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we're doing that exact run-out but for 50 times more purse.

We have a clear game plan planned - to stop Jake out asap. After that, we return to normal service being resumed in 2026.

Joshua will box against a top-tier fighter next February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Fury.

So there is logic to this madness and taking this fight does not affect AJ's legacy. But a loss against Jake or it even going the distance would.

That would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged

A great many people have asked me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be illegal. This is a professional fight and a sanctioned bout on which fans are wagering.

And do you think I would ever allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A script in which we could lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

We are not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not take that risk.

Public Pressure for an Early Knockout

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

He's expected to dominate this opponent however, goodness, allow him two or three stanzas for safety. Because 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 defensively and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he may survive a couple of rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the ring in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.

Similar to his approach against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, size 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 stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really going crazy here Is there something they see that I'm not?

Let's get something right - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This isn't a guy who has never put on boxing gloves before. He can whack a little bit. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.

Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

He prepared for that bout and was a former world champion who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and demonstrating respect for the sport , and he has done so much for women's boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet despite his delusion, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he should be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for a lot of things. Banking on AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will be a factor, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

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

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

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

If he hits him clean, he will put him to sleep. Or could intervene.

It is unknown how it could play out but given how AJ punches - with his speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

Then we go back to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the time he has left in boxing - to fight Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.