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

I have no real defense for AJ versus Paul. It's crazy that it's taking place and I feel the critics are right.

However, we simply could not refuse it. No fighter in their right mind would have said no. Anybody claiming they would is utterly dishonest outright.

We accepted a fight that we believe will be quite simple, will give AJ a massive profile in America and among his career-high earnings.

The Plan Behind This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against a guy ranked around 100th in the heavyweight division.

This was an opportunity to wrap the hands with his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we are doing that same tune-up however for 50 times more purse.

We have a clear strategy planned - to stop Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to regular business resuming next year.

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

Therefore there's a method to this madness and accepting this bout will not harm Joshua's legacy. However losing to Jake or it even going the full distance certainly would.

It would be a complete disaster and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

A great many individuals have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout on which people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would allow AJ to follow a script involving Jake Paul? A script where we could lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are not providing this guy an advantage or an opportunity to claim "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be devastating for AJ and we will not take that risk.

Public Pressure for a Quick Finish

There are also those saying if AJ doesn't knock him out inside the first round then it is a disgrace.

He is expected to dominate this opponent however, blimey, give him two to three stanzas for safety. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle immediately and begin swinging wildly.

Just like his approach against Ngannou, he will step in there, size him up and then go in with his power shots.

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I losing the plot ? Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?

Let us be one thing right - Jake is a professional boxer. I think he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This isn't a guy that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was an old man, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He trained for that bout and had been a world champion who went to points against Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez in the final round.

So I actually credit Jake for training hard and showing respect to the craft , and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing through his promotion company.

Yet despite his delusion, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are banking on a lot of factors. Hoping AJ underestimates them, hoping AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's inactivity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks confidence, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is super switched on. He's had a camp and he is preparing as if he's fighting Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.

I expect Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds with a devastating KO.

He could hit Jake to the midsection and he would break his ribs and he would be unable to get up.

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

We don't know exactly how it will unfold but with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - the instant a punch lands on the chin, the fight is over.

Then the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he aims to accomplish in the remainder of his career in this sport - to fight Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.