No Script, Anthony Joshua Will Rapidly Stop Paul Out - Hearn Claims

I have no real justification for AJ versus Paul. It's insane that it's taking place and I believe the critics are right.

But, we just couldn't reject it. No fighter who is sensible 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 give AJ a massive presence in the United States and among the highest earnings.

The Strategy Behind This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi - an eight-round contest versus an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight division.

It was an opportunity to wrap the hands by his new training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that exact run-out however for about fifty times the purse.

We have an obvious game plan in mind - to knock Jake out asap. Then, we return to normal service being resumed next year.

AJ will fight against a top-tier fighter in February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

So there's a method to this madness and taking this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Jake or the fight even going the distance would.

It would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Pre-Arranged

So many people have asked me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we would be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be illegal. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where fans are wagering.

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

We are not providing this opponent an edge 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 will not take that risk.

Public Pressure for an Early Knockout

Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it's a disgrace.

He's expected to walk through this guy but, goodness, allow him two to three rounds just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will end quickly. But if he fights on the back foot and trying to tie him up and stick and move, then he might survive a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the ring in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

Similar to his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will go in there, measure him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Paul Can Whack Somewhat

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I losing the plot here Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let us be one thing right - Jake is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 globally.

This isn't an individual who has never laced a pair of gloves before. He can whack a little bit. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten big men.

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

He prepared for that bout and had been a titleholder who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez in the final round.

So I actually credit Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect to the craft , and he has done a great deal for women's boxing through his promotion company.

But despite his delusion, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are hoping for many factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in confidence, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is super switched on. He's had a camp and he's training like he is facing Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.

I expect Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds via a brutal KO.

He could hit Jake to the midsection and it could break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to get up.

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

We don't know exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ punches - with his speed and destruction - as soon as a punch lands on the chin, the contest will end.

Then the focus returns 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 world heavyweight champion.