Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Paul Out - Promoter Hearn States

I've got no substantial defense regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's crazy that it's taking place and I believe the skeptics are correct.

But, we simply could not refuse it. No fighter in their right mind would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse is completely lying outright.

We accepted a bout which we think will be quite simple, will give AJ an enormous profile in America and among the highest earnings.

The Plan Behind the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest against an opponent ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we're doing that same tune-up but for 50 times more purse.

We possess an obvious game plan in mind - to stop Jake out asap. After that, we go into normal service resuming next year.

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

So there is logic behind this craziness and taking this bout does not affect AJ's legacy. But losing to Paul or it even going the full distance certainly would.

That would be an absolute disaster and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Not Scripted

So many people have asked me questioning if it's scripted. 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 fans are wagering.

And do you think I would ever permit AJ to have a script involving Jake Paul? A plan in which we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

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

Expectations for a Quick Knockout

There are also those who say if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out in the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He's expected to dominate this opponent however, blimey, allow him two or three rounds for safety. Because Jake's approach will reflect on the pace of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over rapidly. But if he fights on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he may survive a couple of rounds.

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

Similar to he did against Francis Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

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

Let us be something clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 globally.

This is not a guy that has not laced a pair of gloves previously. He is able to whack a little bit. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Putting aside the win over Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He trained for the fight and had been a titleholder who went to points against Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez late in the fight.

So I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and showing respect to the craft of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for female boxing with his promotion company.

But despite his delusion, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be being knocked out by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It's Over

Paul and his camp are banking on many things. Banking on AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.

But, to their misfortune, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

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

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

If he hits him clean, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively the referee.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but with the way AJ punches - with the speed and power - the instant a punch lands on the chin, the fight is over.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the remainder of his career in this sport - to fight Tyson Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.