No Script, Joshua Will Swiftly Stop Jake Paul Out - Hearn States
I've got no real justification for AJ versus Paul. It's wild the fact it's taking place and I feel the critics are correct.
However, we simply could not turn it down. No fighter who is sensible would have said no. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are completely lying through their teeth.
We took a bout that we think will be very straightforward, will give AJ a massive profile in America and among his career-high earnings.
The Strategy For the Fight
Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus a guy ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight division.
It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his new training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that same run-out but for about fifty times the money.
We have a clear strategy in mind - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we go into normal service resuming next year.
AJ will fight against a world-class opponent next February and - if all goes well - he will then face Fury.
Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and taking this fight does not affect AJ's legacy. But losing to Jake or it even going the full distance would.
It would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.
This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged
A great many people 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 fight and an officially sanctioned match where people are betting.
And does anyone believe I would permit AJ to have a script with Jake Paul? A plan in which we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.
We are certainly not providing this guy an edge or a chance to say "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we will not take that risk.
Expectations for an Quick Knockout
Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it is a disgrace.
He's expected to dominate this opponent but, blimey, give him two to three stanzas for safety. Since Jake's approach will determine the speed of destruction.
Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. But if he fights on the back foot and trying to tie him up and jab and move, then he might last a couple of rounds.
We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.
Just like he did against Francis 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 Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I losing the plot ? Is there anything they're seeing that I'm not?
Let us be one thing right - Jake is a professional boxer. I think he's a decent 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.
This isn't an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves before. He can punch a little bit. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten big men.
Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar 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 against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.
Therefore I give credit to Jake for training hard and showing respect to the craft , and he has done so much for female boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.
But despite his self-belief, zeal, commitment and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Joshua.
Once Joshua Connects, It's Over
Paul and his camp are hoping for a lot of things. Hoping AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is past his best, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in confidence, banking on AJ's durability isn't what it once was.
However, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely focused. He's had a training camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.
I expect Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds via a brutal KO.
He could hit Jake to the midsection and he would break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to rise.
If he hits him clean, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively could intervene.
We don't know exactly how it will unfold however with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - the instant Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.
Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time he has left in this sport - to fight Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.
