Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Quickly Knock Jake Paul Out - Hearn States

I have no genuine defense for Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul. It's crazy the fact it's taking place and I feel the naysayers are spot on.

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

We accepted a fight which we believe will be extremely easy, will give AJ a huge profile in America and among his career-high earnings.

The Plan For This Bout

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

This was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his new training team, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we're doing that same tune-up but for 50 times more money.

We possess a clear strategy planned - to stop Jake Paul out asap. Then, we return to regular business being resumed in 2026.

Joshua will box against a top-tier fighter in February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

So there's a method to this madness and accepting this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. But losing to Paul or the fight even going the full distance certainly would.

That would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly embarrassing.

This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged

So many people have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if it was. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where fans are wagering.

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

We are certainly not providing this guy an advantage or an opportunity to claim "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be devastating for AJ and we're not going to risk that.

Public Pressure for a Quick Finish

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

He is expected to walk through this guy but, blimey, allow him two or three rounds for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end rapidly. However if he fights on the back foot and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he might survive a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ run across the squared circle immediately and start windmilling.

Similar to his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then go in with his power shots.

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

I've heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas saying you can't count Jake in this bout. Am I really losing the plot ? Is there something they're seeing that I'm not?

Let us be one thing right - Jake is a professional boxer. I think he is a respectable cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This isn't an individual that has not put on boxing gloves before. He is able to whack with some power. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.

Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was well past his prime, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

Chavez Jr trained for the fight and was a former world champion who went the distance against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.

So I give credit to Jake for training hard and demonstrating respect for the sport of boxing and he has done a great deal for female boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

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

The Moment AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are hoping for many factors. Hoping AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is super focused. He's had a training camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Usyk or in a potential Dubois rematch.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds via a devastating KO.

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

Should he land flush, he will knock him spark out. Alternatively could intervene.

It is unknown how it could play out however given how AJ punches - with his speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit clean, the fight is over.

Then we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the remainder he has left in this sport - to face Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.