No Script, Anthony Joshua Will Quickly Stop Paul Out - Hearn Claims

I've got no substantial justification for AJ versus Paul. It's insane the fact it's occurring and I believe the naysayers are right.

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

We took a bout that we think will be extremely easy, will provide AJ an enormous profile in the United States and one of the highest earnings.

The Plan For the Fight

AJ was going to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest against an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

This was a chance to wrap the hands with his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we are doing that same tune-up however for fifty times the purse.

We possess an obvious strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. Then, we return to normal service resuming in 2026.

AJ will fight versus a top-tier opponent next February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Tyson Fury.

Therefore there is logic to this madness and taking this fight does not affect AJ's legacy. However a loss against Jake or it even going the full distance would.

It would be an absolute disaster and awfully humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have come up to me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be illegal. This is a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match on which people are betting.

And does anyone believe I would allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A script in which we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are not providing this guy an edge or an opportunity to say "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be catastrophic for AJ and we're not going to take that risk.

Expectations for an Early Finish

There are also those who say if AJ doesn't stop him in the first round then it's a disgrace.

He's expected to walk through this guy but, goodness, give him two to three rounds for safety. Because how Jake approaches it will determine the speed of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and trying to clinch and jab and move, then he might last a few rounds.

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

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

Paul Can Whack Somewhat

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

Let's get something clear - Jake is a pro fighter. I believe he's a decent 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.

This isn't a guy that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He is able to punch a little bit. He spars Okolie and top-ten big men.

Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a total pushover.

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and had been a world champion who went the distance against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.

So I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect to the craft , and he has done so much for women's boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet despite his self-belief, zeal, dedication 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 factors. Banking on AJ underestimates him, banking on AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, banking on AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's durability isn't what it once was.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is super focused. He's had a camp and he's training like he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a potential Dubois rematch.

I expect my fighter to triumph inside two rounds with a brutal knockout.

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

Should he land flush, he will put him to sleep. Or the referee.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ punches - with his speed and destruction - the instant a punch lands clean, the contest will end.

Subsequently we go back 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 world heavyweight champion.