Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Quickly Stop Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Asserts

I have no real defence regarding AJ vs. Paul. It's crazy that it's happening and I feel the critics are right.

But, we just couldn't reject it. No boxer who is sensible would have said no. Anyone who says they would is completely lying through their teeth.

We accepted a fight which we believe is quite simple, will give AJ a massive profile in the United States and among the highest paydays.

The Plan For This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against an opponent ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his new training team, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we're doing that exact tune-up but for 50 times more purse.

We possess a clear game plan planned - to stop Jake Paul out asap. Then, we go into regular business being resumed next year.

Joshua will box against a world-class fighter next February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Tyson Fury.

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

It would be a complete disaster and awfully embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted

A great many individuals have come up to me asking if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be against the law. This is 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? A plan where we could lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

We are not providing this guy an advantage or an opportunity to claim "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be devastating for AJ and we're not going to risk that.

Public Pressure for a Quick Finish

Then there are those who say if AJ doesn't stop him in the first round then it is a disgrace.

He's expected to dominate this guy but, goodness, allow him two or three stanzas just in case. Because Jake's approach will reflect on the speed of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We're not going to see AJ charge across the squared circle immediately and begin swinging wildly.

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

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I going crazy ? Is there something they see that I am missing?

Let's get something clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This isn't an individual who has never laced a pair of gloves before. He can punch with some power. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.

Forgetting the victory against Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

He trained for that bout and was a former world champion who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake for his hard work and demonstrating respect for the sport , and he has done so much for female boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

Yet in spite of his self-belief, zeal, commitment and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

Once Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are hoping for many factors. Banking on AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in self-belief, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

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

I anticipate my fighter to triumph within two rounds with a devastating KO.

He could hit Jake to the midsection and he would break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to rise.

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

We don't know exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ throws punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

Then the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.