Without a Script, Joshua Will Rapidly Stop Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I've got no real defence regarding AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's insane that it's occurring and I feel the naysayers are correct.

But, we simply could not reject it. No fighter who is sensible would have said no. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are completely lying through their teeth.

We accepted a fight which we believe will be quite simple, will provide AJ a huge profile in America and among the highest earnings.

The Plan Behind the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus a guy who was ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.

It was a chance to wrap the hands with his new coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we are doing that exact tune-up however for 50 times more purse.

We have a clear game plan in mind - to knock Jake Paul out asap. Then, we go into regular business being resumed next year.

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

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

That would be a complete catastrophe and awfully embarrassing.

This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have asked me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be illegal. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match on which people are betting.

And do you think I would allow AJ to have a pre-written plan with Jake? A plan where we could lose or even hold him up? No way.

We are certainly not giving this guy an advantage or a chance to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be catastrophic for AJ and we will not risk that.

Public Pressure for an Quick Knockout

There are also those who say if AJ doesn't stop him in the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He's expected to dominate this opponent but, blimey, allow him two to three stanzas for safety. Because Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end rapidly. But if he fights defensively and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the ring in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.

Just like he did against Ngannou, he will go into the ring, measure him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I really going crazy ? Is there anything they see that I am missing?

Let's get something clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I think he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This isn't a guy that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He is able to punch with some power. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.

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

He prepared for that bout and had been a world champion who went the distance against Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I give credit to Jake Paul for training hard and demonstrating respect to the craft of boxing and he has done a great deal for female boxing through his promotion company.

But 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 many factors. Hoping AJ is underestimating him, hoping AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, banking on AJ is low in self-belief, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He's had a training camp and he's training as if he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.

I anticipate my fighter to triumph inside 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. Or the referee.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in boxing - to fight Tyson Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.