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

I have no substantial justification regarding Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul. It's wild that it's happening and I think the skeptics are spot on.

However, we simply could not reject it. No fighter in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they would are completely lying outright.

We took a fight which we think is quite simple, will provide AJ a massive presence in the United States and among the highest paydays.

The Strategy Behind the Fight

AJ was going to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi - an eight-rounder versus an opponent ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.

This was a chance to wrap the hands with his new training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that same tune-up however for 50 times more money.

We have an obvious game plan planned - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we go into regular business resuming next year.

Joshua will box against a top-tier fighter in February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Fury.

Therefore there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. But losing to Jake or the fight even going the distance certainly would.

It would be a complete disaster and terribly embarrassing.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Pre-Arranged

A great many individuals have come up to me questioning whether it's fixed. First of all, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. That would be illegal. This is 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 with Jake Paul? A plan in which we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

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

Expectations for a Quick Finish

There are also those who say if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out inside the first round then it's a disgrace.

He is expected to walk through this guy but, goodness, allow him two or three stanzas just in case. Since Jake's approach will determine the speed of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. However if he fights on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he might survive a couple of rounds.

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

Just like he did against Francis Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch Somewhat

I've heard the likes of Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas saying you can't count Jake Paul in this bout. Am I really going crazy here Is there something they're seeing that I am missing?

Let's get something right - Jake is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This isn't an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves previously. He is able to whack a little bit. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Putting aside the win over Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was not a total pushover.

Chavez Jr prepared for that bout and had been a world champion who went to points against Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez in the final round.

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

But in spite of his self-belief, passion, commitment and improved skills, he should be getting iced by Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It Is Finished

Paul and his camp are banking on many factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, banking on AJ is shot, hoping 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 extremely focused. He's had a training camp and he is preparing like he is facing Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.

I expect Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds with a devastating KO.

He could hit Jake Paul to the midsection 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 jump in.

It is unknown how it could play out however given how AJ punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.

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