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

I've got no substantial defense for Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's wild the fact it's taking place and I feel the skeptics are right.

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

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

The Strategy Behind the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus an opponent ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his fresh training team, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we're doing that exact tune-up but for about 50 times more money.

We possess a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we go into regular business resuming in 2026.

Joshua will box versus a world-class fighter in February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Fury.

So there's a method behind this craziness and taking this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Paul or it even going the distance would.

It would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be illegal. This is a professional fight and a sanctioned bout where people are betting.

And do you think I would ever permit AJ to have a script involving Jake? A script where we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not providing this guy an advantage or a chance to say "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to risk that.

Expectations for a Quick Knockout

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

He is expected to dominate this guy but, blimey, allow him two to three rounds just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and stick and move, then he might survive a few 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 in there, size him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit

I have heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I really going crazy ? Is there anything they see that I am missing?

Let us be one thing clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This is not an individual who has never put on boxing gloves before. He can punch with some power. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

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

Chavez Jr prepared for that bout and had been a titleholder who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I give credit to Jake for his hard work and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for women's boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.

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

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for many things. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks confidence, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is super focused. He's had a training camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.

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

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

If he hits him clean, he will put him spark out. Or could jump in.

We don't know how it could play out but with the way AJ punches - with his speed and power - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

Then we go back to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the remainder of his career in this sport - to fight Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.