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

I have no genuine justification for AJ versus Jake Paul. It's insane the fact it's taking place and I feel the critics are right.

However, we just couldn't refuse it. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse are utterly dishonest outright.

We accepted a bout which we believe will be extremely easy, will provide AJ a massive profile in America and one of his career-high earnings.

The Strategy For the Fight

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest against an opponent ranked about 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

This was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his new coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that exact tune-up however for about 50 times more purse.

We possess an obvious strategy in mind - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we return to regular business resuming next year.

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

So there's a method to this madness and taking this fight will not harm Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Jake or it even going the distance would.

That would be an absolute disaster and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have asked me asking if it's scripted. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would ever allow AJ to have a pre-written plan with Jake? A script where we might lose or even hold him up? No way.

We are not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to claim "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be catastrophic for AJ and we will not risk that.

Public Pressure for an Quick Finish

Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it's a disgrace.

He is expected to walk through this opponent but, blimey, give him two to three rounds for safety. Since Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. But if he is boxing defensively and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

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

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

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat

I have heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I really losing the plot here Is there something they see that I am missing?

Let us be something right - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I think he's a decent cruiserweight - 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's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.

Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

Chavez Jr trained for that bout and was a former world champion who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.

Therefore I actually credit Jake for training hard and showing respect for the sport , and he has accomplished a great deal for women's boxing with his promotion company.

Yet in spite of his self-belief, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he should be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for a lot of things. Banking on AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, banking on AJ's durability has deteriorated.

However, unfortunately for them, AJ is super switched on. He's had a training camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois second fight.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to triumph within two rounds via a devastating knockout.

He could hit Jake Paul to the body and it could break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to get up.

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

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

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