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

I have no real defence for AJ versus Jake Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I feel the skeptics are right.

However, we simply could not refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have said no. Anyone who says they'd refuse is utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We took a fight that we think is very straightforward, will give AJ a huge presence in the United States and among his career-high earnings.

The Plan Behind the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi - an eight-round contest versus a guy who was ranked about 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his new training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that same tune-up however for about 50 times more money.

We have a clear strategy in mind - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we go into normal service resuming in 2026.

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

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

It would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be illegal. This is a professional fight and a sanctioned bout where people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would allow AJ to have a pre-written plan with Jake? A script in which we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are certainly not providing this guy an edge or a chance to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to take that risk.

Expectations for an Early Finish

There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out in the first round then it's a disgrace.

He's expected to walk through this guy but, goodness, give him two or three stanzas just in case. Since Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will all be over quickly. But if he is boxing defensively and attempting to tie him up and stick and move, then he may survive a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ charge across the squared circle in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.

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

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas saying you can't count Jake in this bout. Am I really going crazy ? Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let us be something clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This isn't a guy that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He can punch a little bit. He spars Okolie and top-10 big men.

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

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

So I actually credit Jake Paul 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.

But despite his self-belief, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he should be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for many factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is shot, hoping 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 switched on. He's had a training camp and he's training as if he is facing Usyk or in a potential Dubois second fight.

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

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

Should he land flush, he will put him spark out. Alternatively the referee.

We don't know how it could play out however with the way AJ punches - with the speed and power - as soon as a punch lands on the chin, the contest will end.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the time of his career in this sport - to fight Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.