No Script, Anthony Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Paul Out - Promoter Hearn States

I have no substantial defense regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's wild the fact it's taking place and I feel the naysayers are spot on.

But, we just couldn't refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse is utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We accepted a bout that we believe will be extremely easy, will provide AJ an enormous profile in the United States and one of the highest paydays.

The Strategy For the Fight

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

This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we are doing that exact run-out however for 50 times more purse.

We possess a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. After that, we go into normal service resuming next year.

AJ will fight versus a world-class fighter next February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Fury.

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

That would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

A great many people have asked me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where people are betting.

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

We are not giving this guy an advantage or a chance to claim "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to take that risk.

Expectations for a Early Finish

There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it is a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this guy however, blimey, give him two or three rounds just in case. Because how Jake approaches it will determine the pace of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and stick and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ charge across the squared circle immediately and begin swinging wildly.

Similar to he did 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 a Little Bit

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I going crazy ? Is there something they see that I am missing?

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

This isn't an individual who has never put on boxing gloves previously. He is able to whack with some power. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Forgetting the win over Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a total pushover.

He prepared for the fight and had been a world champion who went the distance against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I give credit to Jake Paul for training hard and demonstrating respect to the craft of boxing and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

But in spite of his delusion, passion, commitment and improved skills, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for many factors. Hoping AJ underestimates him, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, banking on AJ is low in self-belief, banking on AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Usyk or in a potential Dubois second fight.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds with a devastating KO.

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

Should he land flush, he will knock him to sleep. Or could jump in.

It is unknown how it could play out however with the way AJ punches - with his speed and destruction - as soon as Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

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