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

I have no substantial defense regarding Anthony Joshua versus Paul. It's crazy the fact it's happening and I feel the naysayers are right.

However, we simply could not reject it. No boxer who is sensible would have said no. Anybody claiming they would are completely lying outright.

We took a bout that we think will be very straightforward, will provide AJ a huge profile in America and among his career-high paydays.

The Strategy For the Fight

AJ was going to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest versus a guy who was ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.

This was a chance to wrap the hands by his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we are doing that exact run-out however for about 50 times more money.

We have a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake out asap. After that, we return to normal service resuming next year.

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

Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and accepting this bout will not harm AJ's legacy. But losing to Paul or the fight even going the full distance would.

It would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully embarrassing.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted

So many people have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. First of all, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout on which people are betting.

And do you think I would allow AJ to have a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A script in which we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

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

Public Pressure for a Early Finish

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

He is expected to dominate this opponent however, goodness, give him two or three stanzas just in case. Because how Jake approaches it will reflect on the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will all be over quickly. But if he fights on the back foot and trying to clinch and stick and move, then he might survive a couple of rounds.

We're not going to see AJ charge across the squared circle in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

Just like his approach against Ngannou, he will go 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 stating you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I losing the plot ? Is there anything they're seeing that I'm not?

Let's get one thing clear - Jake is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 globally.

This is not an individual who has never laced a pair of gloves before. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-ten big men.

Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may 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 to points with 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 for the sport , and he has done so much for female boxing through his promotion company.

But despite his delusion, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Paul and his camp are hoping for many factors. Hoping AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is shot, hoping 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 extremely focused. He's had a camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois rematch.

I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds via a devastating knockout.

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 spark out. Alternatively could intervene.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit 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 this sport - to fight Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.