No Script, Anthony Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn States

I have no substantial defence for AJ vs. Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I think the critics are spot on.

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

We accepted a fight that we think is quite simple, will give AJ a huge profile in America and among the highest paydays.

The Plan Behind This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi - an eight-round contest against an opponent ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight division.

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his new training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that exact run-out but for 50 times more money.

We have an obvious game plan in mind - to stop Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to normal service being resumed next year.

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

So there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this bout will not harm Joshua's legacy. However a loss against Paul or it even going the full distance would.

That would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

So many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. First of all, we'd be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be illegal. This is a professional contest and a sanctioned bout on which fans are wagering.

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

We are certainly not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to claim "told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be devastating for AJ and we're not going to risk that.

Expectations for an Early Finish

Then there are those saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out inside the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He's expected to walk through this guy however, blimey, give him two to three stanzas for safety. Because Jake's approach will determine the speed of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. But if he is boxing defensively and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he may last a few rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

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

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch Somewhat

I've heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I losing the plot ? Is there anything they see that I'm not?

Let us be something right - Jake is a pro fighter. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This is not an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He can whack a little bit. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Forgetting the win over Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

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

Therefore I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect to the craft of boxing and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.

But in spite of his delusion, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are hoping for many factors. Banking on AJ underestimates him, banking on AJ is shot, hoping AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

But, to their misfortune, 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 expect my fighter to triumph inside two rounds with a brutal 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 knock him to sleep. Alternatively could intervene.

It is unknown how it could play out however with the way AJ punches - with his speed and destruction - the instant a punch lands clean, the fight is over.

Then the focus returns to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time of his career in this sport - to face Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.