Without a Script, Joshua Will Quickly Stop Jake Paul Out - Hearn Asserts

I have no real defence regarding AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's wild that it's happening and I feel the skeptics are spot on.

However, we just couldn't turn it down. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anybody claiming they would are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We accepted a bout which we think is quite simple, will provide AJ a huge presence in the United States and one of the highest earnings.

The Plan For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

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

We have an obvious strategy in mind - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. After that, we return to regular business resuming in 2026.

Joshua will box versus a top-tier opponent next February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

Therefore there is logic to this madness and taking this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. But losing to Jake or the fight even going the distance would.

That would be a complete disaster and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many individuals have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be against the law. This constitutes a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.

And do you think I would allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan with Jake? A script in which we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not providing this guy an advantage or an opportunity to claim "I 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 Quick Knockout

Then there are those who say if AJ doesn't knock him out in the first round then it is a disgrace.

He is expected to walk through this guy however, goodness, allow him two to three rounds just in case. Because Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will end quickly. However if he is boxing defensively and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he might last a couple of rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.

Similar to his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then unleash with his power shots.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

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

Let's get something right - Jake is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This is not a guy that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He is able to punch a little bit. He spars Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He trained for the fight and was a former titleholder who went to points against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for his hard work and demonstrating respect for the sport , and he has done so much for female boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

But despite his delusion, passion, commitment and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

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

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is super focused. He's had a training camp and he's training as if he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois second fight.

I anticipate my fighter to win within two rounds with a devastating KO.

A shot to Jake Paul to the midsection and it could break his rib cage and he would be unable to rise.

If he hits him clean, he will put him spark out. Alternatively could jump in.

We don't know how it could play out but with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - as soon as a punch lands on the chin, the contest will end.

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