No Script, Joshua Will Quickly Knock Jake Paul Out - Hearn States

I've got no substantial defence for Anthony Joshua versus Paul. It's wild that it's occurring and I feel the naysayers are spot on.

However, we simply could not refuse it. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they would are completely lying through their teeth.

We accepted a bout which we think is extremely easy, will give AJ a massive presence in the United States and among the highest paydays.

The Plan For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest versus an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

This was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his new coaching staff, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that same run-out however for about 50 times more purse.

We possess a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we go into regular business resuming in 2026.

AJ will fight versus a world-class opponent in February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Tyson Fury.

Therefore there's a method to this madness and accepting this fight does not affect AJ's legacy. However losing to Paul or it even going the full distance certainly would.

It would be an absolute disaster and terribly embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

A great many individuals have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. First of all, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. That would be illegal. This is a professional fight and a sanctioned bout where people are betting.

And do you think I would ever permit AJ to follow a pre-written plan involving Jake? A script in which we might lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

We are not providing this opponent an edge or an opportunity to say "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not take that risk.

Expectations for a Quick Knockout

There are also those who say if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out inside the first round then it is a disgrace.

He is expected to walk through this opponent however, blimey, allow him two to three rounds just in case. Because how Jake approaches it will determine the pace of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he might last a few rounds.

We will not see AJ run across the ring immediately and begin swinging wildly.

Just like he did against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Paul Can Whack Somewhat

I've heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake out in this fight. Am I losing the plot ? Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

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

This isn't an individual that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He is able to whack a little bit. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten big men.

Forgetting the win over Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a total pushover.

He trained for the fight and had been a world champion who went the distance with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez in the final round.

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

Yet despite his delusion, zeal, commitment and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on many factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He's had a training camp and he is preparing as if he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.

I expect my fighter to triumph inside two rounds with a brutal knockout.

He could hit 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 knock him spark out. Or could intervene.

It is unknown how it could play out but with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and destruction - as soon as a punch lands on the chin, the fight is over.

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