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

I have no substantial defence for Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's crazy that it's taking place and I believe the naysayers are spot on.

But, we just couldn't turn it down. 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 quite simple, will provide AJ a huge presence in the United States and among the highest paydays.

The Strategy For This Bout

AJ was going 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 rankings.

It was an opportunity to wrap the hands with his new coaching staff, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we are doing that same tune-up but for 50 times more money.

We have an obvious strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to regular business being resumed in 2026.

Joshua will box against a world-class opponent next February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

Therefore there's a method to this madness and taking this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. However losing to Jake or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

It would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

A great many people have asked me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if it was. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would permit AJ to follow a script with Jake Paul? A script in which we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not giving this opponent an advantage or an opportunity to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for AJ and we're not going to take that risk.

Public Pressure for an Quick Knockout

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

He is expected to dominate this opponent however, blimey, give him two to three rounds just in case. Because Jake's approach will reflect on the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. However if he is boxing defensively and trying to tie him up and jab and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

We will not see AJ run across the squared circle in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

Just like he did against Francis Ngannou, he will step in there, measure him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Paul Can Punch a Little Bit

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying 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's a decent cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 globally.

This isn't a guy that has not laced a pair of gloves previously. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-ten big men.

Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He prepared for the fight and had been a titleholder who went the distance with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake for training hard and showing respect to the craft , and he has accomplished a great deal for women's boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet in spite of his delusion, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he ought to be being knocked out by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

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

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He has completed a camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois rematch.

I anticipate my fighter to triumph within two rounds with a brutal KO.

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

Should he land flush, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively the referee.

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

Then we go back to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder of his career in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.