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

I have no real justification regarding Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul. It's wild the fact it's occurring and I feel the critics are correct.

But, we just couldn't turn it down. No fighter who is sensible would have said no. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We took a fight which we think is very straightforward, will provide AJ a massive profile in the United States and one of his career-high paydays.

The Strategy For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi - an eight-round contest against an opponent ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.

This was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that exact run-out but for 50 times more purse.

We possess a clear strategy in mind - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we return to normal service being resumed next year.

Joshua will box versus a world-class fighter in February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

Therefore there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. But a loss against Jake or the fight even going the distance would.

It would be an absolute disaster and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many people have come up to me questioning whether it's fixed. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be illegal. This is a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match where fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would ever allow AJ to follow a script involving Jake Paul? A plan where we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not providing this opponent an edge or an opportunity to claim "told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to take that risk.

Public Pressure for a Early Knockout

There are also those who say if Anthony Joshua does not stop him inside the first round then it's a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this opponent but, goodness, give him two or three stanzas for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will determine the pace of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will end rapidly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he may survive a couple of rounds.

We're not going to see AJ charge across the ring immediately and begin swinging wildly.

Similar to he did against Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then go in with his power shots.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I going crazy ? Is there anything they're seeing that I'm not?

Let's get something clear - Jake is a pro fighter. I believe he's a decent 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not a guy that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He can whack a little bit. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.

Forgetting the win over Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He prepared for the fight and was a former world champion who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

So I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and demonstrating respect to the craft of boxing and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

But in spite of his delusion, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he should be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on many factors. Banking on AJ underestimates them, banking on 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, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely focused. He has completed a training camp and he's training like he's fighting Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois rematch.

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

A shot to Jake Paul to the midsection and he would break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to rise.

If he hits him clean, he will knock him spark out. Alternatively could jump in.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and destruction - the instant a punch lands on the chin, the contest will end.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he aims to accomplish in the time he has left in boxing - to fight Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.