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

I have no genuine defense for AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's insane the fact it's happening and I think the naysayers are spot on.

But, we just couldn't refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are utterly dishonest outright.

We accepted a fight which we believe will be very straightforward, will provide AJ an enormous profile in the United States and one of the highest paydays.

The Plan Behind This Bout

AJ was going to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi - an eight-rounder versus an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight division.

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his fresh training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that exact run-out but for fifty times the purse.

We have an obvious strategy planned - to stop Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to regular business being resumed in 2026.

AJ will fight versus a top-tier fighter next February and - if all goes well - he will then face Fury.

Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and taking this bout will not harm AJ's legacy. But a loss against Paul or it even going the full distance would.

That would be a complete catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Scripted

So many individuals have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest 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? A plan in which we might lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

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 devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.

Public Pressure for a Early Knockout

There are also those saying if AJ doesn't knock him out in the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He is expected to dominate this guy but, goodness, allow him two or three stanzas for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will determine the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. However if he is boxing defensively and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

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

Similar to his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will go into the ring, measure him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really losing the plot here Is there something they're seeing that I'm not?

Let's get something clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he is a respectable cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 in the world.

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

Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a total pushover.

Chavez Jr prepared for that bout and had been a titleholder who went the distance against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

So I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for female boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet in spite of his delusion, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are banking on many factors. Banking on AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will be a factor, banking on AJ lacks confidence, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He has completed a training camp and he is preparing like he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Dubois rematch.

I anticipate my fighter to triumph inside two rounds with a devastating knockout.

A shot to Jake Paul to the midsection 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. Or could jump in.

It is unknown how it could play out but with the way AJ throws punches - with the speed and power - the instant a punch lands on the chin, the contest will end.

Then the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in this sport - to fight Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.