No Script, Joshua Will Rapidly Knock Paul Out - Hearn Asserts

I've got no substantial defense for Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's wild that it's taking place and I feel the critics are spot on.

But, we simply could not refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse are completely lying outright.

We took a bout that we think is very straightforward, will give AJ an enormous profile in America and among the highest earnings.

The Plan Behind This Bout

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

This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his new training team, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we are doing that exact tune-up but for 50 times more money.

We possess a clear strategy planned - to knock Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we go into regular business being resumed next year.

Joshua will box versus a world-class opponent in February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Fury.

Therefore there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this bout will not harm AJ's legacy. But a loss against Paul or the fight even going the full distance certainly would.

That would be a complete catastrophe and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted

So many individuals have asked me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by the FBI if it was. That would be against the law. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match on which people are betting.

And do you think I would ever allow AJ to have a script with Jake? A script in which we might lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not providing this guy an advantage or a chance to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be devastating for AJ and we will not risk that.

Expectations for an Early Knockout

There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out inside the first round then it is a disgrace.

He is expected to dominate this guy however, goodness, give him two or three stanzas just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of destruction.

If he gets brave, it will end rapidly. But if he fights defensively and trying to clinch and jab and move, then he may survive a few rounds.

We will not see AJ run across the squared circle in the first few seconds and start windmilling.

Just like his approach against Ngannou, he will go in there, measure him up and then unleash with his power shots.

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

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

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

This is not an individual that has not put on boxing gloves before. He can punch a little bit. He spars Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.

Putting aside the win over Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was hardly a complete mug.

He trained for the fight and was a former world champion who went to points against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.

Therefore I actually credit Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect for the sport , and he has done so much for women's boxing through his promotion company.

Yet despite his delusion, zeal, dedication and enhanced ability, he ought to be being knocked out by Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It Is Finished

Jake and his team are hoping for a lot of things. Banking on AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is shot, banking on AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, banking on AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He has completed a camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.

I expect my fighter to win inside two rounds via a devastating KO.

He could hit Jake to the body and he would break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to get up.

Should he land flush, he will put him to sleep. Alternatively the referee.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ punches - with his speed and destruction - the instant Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.

Then we go back to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the time of his career in boxing - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.