Without a Script, Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Paul Out - Hearn Asserts

I've got no genuine defence for Anthony Joshua versus Paul. It's wild that it's taking place and I feel the critics are correct.

However, we just couldn't refuse it. No boxer who is sensible would have said no. Anyone who says they would are completely lying outright.

We took a fight that we think will be extremely easy, will give AJ a huge profile in the United States and among the highest earnings.

The Strategy Behind This Bout

AJ was going to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against an opponent ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.

This was a chance to wrap the hands by his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we're doing that same tune-up but for 50 times more money.

We possess an obvious game plan planned - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we go into normal service resuming next year.

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

So there is logic behind this craziness and taking this bout does not affect AJ's legacy. However a loss against Paul or it even going the distance certainly would.

That would be a complete disaster and awfully humiliating.

This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged

A great many people have come up to me asking if it's scripted. First of all, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match where fans are wagering.

And do you think I would ever permit AJ to have a pre-written plan with Jake? A plan where we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.

We are certainly not providing this guy an advantage or an opportunity to claim "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we will not take that risk.

Expectations for a Quick Finish

Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it's an embarrassment.

He is expected to walk through this guy but, blimey, give him two to three rounds just in case. Since Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.

Should he come forward, it will end quickly. But if he fights on the back foot and attempting to tie him up and stick and move, then he might survive a couple of rounds.

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

Similar to he did against Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then unleash with his power shots.

Paul Can Punch Somewhat

I've heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I going crazy ? Is there something they're seeing that I'm not?

Let's get one thing clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I think he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 in the world.

This is not a guy who has never put on boxing gloves before. He is able to whack a little bit. He's sparring Okolie and top-10 big men.

Forgetting the victory against Tyson, who was then an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and had been a titleholder who went to points against Canelo Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez late in the fight.

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

Yet in spite of his self-belief, passion, commitment and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

The Moment Joshua Connects, It's Over

Jake and his team are banking on many things. Hoping AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in confidence, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a training camp and he is preparing like he is facing Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.

I expect Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds via a brutal knockout.

A shot to Jake to the body and he would break his ribs and he would be unable to rise.

If he hits him clean, he will knock him spark out. Or could intervene.

It is unknown exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - the instant a punch lands on the chin, the fight is over.

Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time of his career in this sport - to fight Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.