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

I have no substantial defense for AJ versus Paul. It's crazy the fact it's occurring and I feel the critics are correct.

However, we just couldn't reject it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse is utterly dishonest outright.

We took a bout which we believe is quite simple, will provide AJ an enormous presence in America and among his career-high paydays.

The Strategy Behind This Bout

Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi - an eight-round contest versus an opponent ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped by his fresh training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that exact tune-up however for about fifty times the money.

We have a clear game plan planned - to stop Jake out asap. After that, we return to regular business being resumed next year.

AJ will fight versus a world-class fighter next February and - if all goes well - he will then face Fury.

Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and accepting this fight does not affect AJ's legacy. But losing to Paul or it even going the distance would.

It would be a complete disaster and terribly humiliating.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

So many individuals have come up to me asking whether it's fixed. First of all, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match on which fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would ever permit AJ to have a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A script where we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not providing this opponent an advantage or an opportunity to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to risk that.

Public Pressure for a Quick Finish

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

He is expected to walk through this guy however, goodness, give him two to three rounds just in case. Since Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.

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

We're not going to see AJ run across the ring in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

Similar to he did against Francis Ngannou, he will step into the ring, size him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch Somewhat

I have heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake out in this fight. Am I really going crazy here Is there something they're seeing that I'm not?

Let us be something clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I think he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.

This is not a guy that has not put on boxing gloves previously. He can punch with some power. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-ten big men.

Putting aside the win over Tyson, who was an old man, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was not a total pushover.

Chavez Jr trained for the fight and had been a titleholder who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez late in the fight.

So I actually credit Jake for training hard and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has accomplished so much for female boxing with his promotion company.

Yet despite his self-belief, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

Once AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are hoping for a lot of things. Banking on AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ is low in self-belief, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

But, to their misfortune, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

I expect my fighter to triumph inside two rounds with a devastating KO.

A shot to Jake 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 intervene.

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

Then the focus returns to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the time of his career in boxing - to fight Tyson Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.