No Script, Joshua Will Swiftly Stop Jake Paul Out - Hearn States
I have no substantial justification for Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul. It's insane that it's occurring and I think the skeptics are correct.
But, we just couldn't reject it. No fighter who is sensible would have said no. Anybody claiming they would is utterly dishonest through their teeth.
We accepted a fight that we think will be quite simple, will provide AJ a massive profile in America and among his career-high paydays.
The Strategy For This Bout
AJ was going to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest against an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.
It was a chance to wrap the hands by his new training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we are doing that same run-out however for about 50 times more money.
We possess an obvious game plan planned - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we go into regular business resuming next year.
Joshua will box against a top-tier fighter in February and - if all goes well - he will then face Tyson Fury.
Therefore there's a method behind this craziness and taking this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. However losing to Paul or the fight even going the distance would.
It would be a complete disaster and awfully humiliating.
Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted
So many people have come up to me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by authorities if that were true. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout where people are betting.
And does anyone believe I would ever permit AJ to have a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A script in which we could lose or even hold him up? No way.
We are certainly not giving this guy an advantage or a chance to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for AJ and we're not going to risk that.
Expectations for a Early Finish
There are also those who say if AJ doesn't knock him out in the first round then it is an embarrassment.
He is expected to dominate this guy but, goodness, allow him two or three rounds for safety. Since Jake's approach will reflect on the speed of the finish.
If he gets brave, it will all be over rapidly. But if he is boxing defensively and attempting to tie him up and stick and move, then he might last a couple of rounds.
We're not going to see AJ run across the squared circle in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.
Just like his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will go in there, size him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.
Paul Can Punch a Little Bit
I have heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I going crazy here Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?
Let us be one thing right - Jake is a professional boxer. I believe he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.
This isn't a guy that has not laced a pair of gloves previously. He is able to punch a little bit. He spars Okolie and top-10 big men.
Putting aside the win over Mike Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was hardly a complete mug.
Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and had been a world champion who went the distance with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.
Therefore I give credit to Jake for his hard work and demonstrating respect for the sport , and he has done a great deal for women's boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.
But in spite of his self-belief, passion, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.
Once Joshua Connects, It Is Finished
Paul and his camp are banking on a lot of factors. Banking on AJ underestimates him, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, hoping AJ is low in self-belief, hoping AJ's durability isn't what it once was.
However, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely focused. He has completed a training camp and he is preparing as if he's fighting Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.
I expect my fighter to win inside two rounds with a brutal knockout.
A shot to Jake to the midsection and it could break his rib cage and he would be unable to rise.
If he hits him clean, he will put him spark out. Alternatively could intervene.
We don't know exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - the instant a punch lands on the chin, the contest will end.
Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time of his career in boxing - to face Tyson Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.
