Without a Script, Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I have no real defense for AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's wild that it's taking place and I believe the naysayers are spot on.

However, we simply could not refuse it. No fighter in their right mind would have said no. Anybody claiming they'd refuse is utterly dishonest outright.

We accepted a bout which we think is quite simple, will give AJ a huge presence in America and among the highest paydays.

The Plan Behind This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against an opponent ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

It was a chance to wrap the hands by his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that exact tune-up however for about fifty times the purse.

We have a clear strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. Then, we return to regular business resuming in 2026.

Joshua will box against a world-class fighter next February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Fury.

So there is logic to this madness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. But losing to Jake or it even going the full distance would.

That would be a complete disaster and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

So many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if that were true. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout on which people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan with Jake Paul? A plan where we might lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

We are not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to claim "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be devastating for AJ and we're not going to take that risk.

Expectations for a Early Knockout

There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out in the first round then it's a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this guy but, goodness, allow him two or three rounds for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will end rapidly. But if he fights defensively and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We will not see AJ run across the ring in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

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

Paul Can Whack a Little Bit

I've heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I going crazy here Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let's get something right - Jake is a professional boxer. I think he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves previously. He can punch a little bit. He spars Okolie and top-ten big men.

Forgetting the win over Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

He trained for the fight and was a former world champion who went the distance against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.

So I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet despite his self-belief, passion, dedication and improved skills, he ought to be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are banking on a lot of factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, banking on AJ lacks confidence, hoping AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

But, to their misfortune, AJ is super focused. He's had a camp and he's training like he's fighting Usyk or in a potential Dubois rematch.

I expect my fighter to triumph inside two rounds via a brutal KO.

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

If he hits him clean, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively could jump in.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but with the way AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - as soon as a punch lands on the chin, the contest will end.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he aims to accomplish in the remainder he has left in boxing - to fight Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.