Without a Script, Anthony Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Paul Out - Hearn Asserts

I've got no substantial justification for Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul. It's insane the fact it's happening and I think the skeptics are correct.

But, we simply could not turn it down. No fighter who is sensible would have said no. Anyone who says they'd refuse is utterly dishonest outright.

We took a bout that we think will be extremely easy, will provide AJ a huge profile in the United States and one of his career-high paydays.

The Strategy For the Fight

Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest against an opponent who was ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

It was a chance to get his hands wrapped with his new coaching staff, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that exact run-out but for about fifty times the money.

We possess a clear strategy in mind - to knock Jake out asap. Then, we return to normal service resuming next year.

Joshua will box versus a top-tier opponent next February and - if all goes well - he will then face Tyson Fury.

So there's a method to this madness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. But losing to Jake or the fight even going the full distance would.

That would be an absolute disaster and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged

A great many individuals have come up to me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. That would be illegal. This is a professional fight and a sanctioned bout on which fans are wagering.

And does anyone believe I would ever permit AJ to follow a script with Jake? A script where we could lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are not providing this guy an edge or a chance to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to risk that.

Expectations for an Early Knockout

There are also those saying if AJ doesn't stop him inside the first round then it is an embarrassment.

He is expected to walk through this opponent but, blimey, allow him two or three stanzas just in case. Because Jake's approach will determine the speed of destruction.

Should he come forward, it will end rapidly. However if he fights defensively and attempting to tie him up and stick and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.

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

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

Paul Can Punch a Little Bit

I have heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I going crazy ? Is there anything they're seeing that I'm not?

Let us be something right - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 in the world.

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

Putting aside the win over Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.

Chavez Jr prepared for that bout and was a former world champion who went to points against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.

So I give credit to 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 promotion company.

Yet despite his delusion, passion, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are hoping for a lot of things. Hoping AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's inactivity will be a factor, hoping AJ is low in confidence, banking on AJ's chin has deteriorated.

However, to their misfortune, AJ is super switched on. He's had a camp and he is preparing like he is facing Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois second fight.

I expect Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds via a brutal knockout.

He could hit Jake to the body and he would break his ribs and he would be unable to get up.

If he hits him clean, he will put him to sleep. Or the referee.

It is unknown how it could play out but with the way AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder of his career in this sport - to fight Tyson Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.