Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Quickly Stop Paul Out - Promoter Hearn States

I have no substantial justification for Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's wild that it's occurring and I feel the naysayers are right.

However, we simply could not turn it down. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they would are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We accepted a fight which we believe will be extremely easy, will give AJ a huge presence in America and among the highest earnings.

The Strategy For This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus a guy ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

This was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his new coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we're doing that same tune-up but for about 50 times more money.

We have a clear strategy in mind - to stop Jake Paul out asap. After that, we go into regular business being resumed next year.

Joshua will box versus a top-tier fighter next February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Fury.

Therefore there's a method to this madness and taking this bout does not affect AJ's legacy. But losing to Paul or the fight even going the distance would.

That would be an absolute disaster and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

A great many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. First of all, we'd be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.

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

We are not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to say "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

Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not stop him inside the first round then it's an embarrassment.

He's expected to dominate this opponent but, goodness, allow him two to three rounds just in case. Because how Jake approaches it will determine the speed of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to clinch and jab and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

We're not going to see AJ charge across the ring immediately and start windmilling.

Similar to his approach against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Paul Can Whack Somewhat

I've heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I going crazy ? Is there anything they see that I'm not?

Let's get one thing clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he is a respectable cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This is not an individual that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He can punch with some power. He spars Okolie and top-10 big men.

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

Chavez Jr trained for that bout and was a former titleholder who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.

So I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect for the sport , and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet in spite of his self-belief, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are hoping for a lot of factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, banking on AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's durability has deteriorated.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a training camp and he's training like he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

I expect my fighter to win within two rounds with a brutal knockout.

A shot to Jake to the midsection and it could break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to get up.

Should he land flush, he will knock him to sleep. Alternatively could intervene.

We don't know exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

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