I have no substantial defence regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's wild the fact it's occurring and I think the naysayers are correct.
However, we just couldn't refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they would is utterly dishonest through their teeth.
We took a bout that we believe will be very straightforward, will give AJ an enormous profile in the United States and among the highest earnings.
The Plan Behind the Fight
AJ was going to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against a guy ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.
This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Currently, we're doing that exact run-out but for fifty times the purse.
We possess an obvious strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. Then, we return to regular business resuming in 2026.
AJ will fight versus a world-class fighter in February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Tyson Fury.
Therefore there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this bout will not harm AJ's legacy. However a loss against Paul or it even going the distance would.
It would be an absolute disaster and terribly embarrassing.
Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted
So many people have come up to me asking whether it's fixed. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and an officially sanctioned match where fans are wagering.
And does anyone believe I would permit AJ to follow a script with Jake Paul? A plan in which we could lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.
We are certainly not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to claim "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be devastating for AJ and we're not going to take that risk.
Public Pressure for a Early Finish
Then there are 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, blimey, give him two or three rounds for safety. Because how Jake approaches it will determine the pace of the finish.
If he gets brave, it will end quickly. However if he fights defensively and trying to clinch and jab and move, then he may last a few rounds.
We will not see AJ charge across the ring immediately and start windmilling.
Similar to his approach against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.
Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat
I have heard figures like Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I going crazy here Is there something they see that I am missing?
Let's get one thing clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.
This isn't an individual who has never put on boxing gloves previously. He is able to whack a little bit. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.
Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.
Chavez Jr trained for the fight and had been a world champion who went the distance with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.
Therefore I actually credit Jake for training hard and demonstrating respect to the craft , and he has accomplished so much for female boxing with his promotion company.
But in spite of his delusion, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.
Once Joshua Connects, It Is Finished
Jake and his team are banking on many things. Hoping AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks confidence, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.
But, unfortunately for them, AJ is super switched on. He has completed a camp and he's training as if he is facing Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois second fight.
I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds via a devastating KO.
He could hit Jake Paul to the midsection and it could break his ribs and he would be unable to get up.
Should he land flush, he will knock him spark out. Alternatively the referee.
It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit clean, the fight is over.
Then we go back to AJ's primary objectives he aims to accomplish in the remainder of his career in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.
