I have no genuine justification regarding AJ versus Jake Paul. It's crazy the fact it's taking place and I think the skeptics are spot on.
But, we simply could not refuse it. No fighter who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are utterly dishonest outright.
We took a fight which we think is very straightforward, will provide AJ a massive profile in the United States and one of his career-high earnings.
The Plan For This Bout
AJ was going to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi - an eight-rounder versus a guy ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.
This was an opportunity to wrap the hands with his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we're doing that same tune-up but for about 50 times more purse.
We possess an obvious strategy planned - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. Then, we return to normal service resuming in 2026.
Joshua will box against a world-class opponent next February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Fury.
Therefore there is logic to this madness and accepting this bout will not harm AJ's legacy. However losing to Jake or it even going the full distance certainly would.
It would be a complete catastrophe and terribly humiliating.
Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted
So many people have asked me asking if it's scripted. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if it was. That would be illegal. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match where fans are wagering.
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 make him look bad? No way.
We are certainly not giving this opponent an edge or an opportunity to claim "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be devastating for AJ and we're not going to risk that.
Expectations for an Early Finish
There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not stop him inside the first round then it is an embarrassment.
He is expected to dominate this guy however, blimey, give him two or three rounds for safety. Because how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of the finish.
If he gets brave, it will all be over rapidly. But if he fights on the back foot and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he may survive a few rounds.
We're not going to see AJ run across the ring in the first few seconds and start windmilling.
Just like he did against Francis Ngannou, he will step into the ring, size him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.
Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack a Little Bit
I've heard the likes of Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas saying you can't count Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I really going crazy here Is there something they're seeing that I am missing?
Let's get something clear - Jake is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.
This isn't an individual that has not laced a pair of gloves previously. He can whack with some power. He spars Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.
Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was hardly a total pushover.
He trained for that bout and had been a titleholder who went the distance against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez in the final round.
Therefore I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and showing respect to the craft of boxing and he has done a great deal for female boxing through his promotion company.
Yet in spite of his self-belief, 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 hoping for a lot of factors. Hoping AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks confidence, banking on AJ's durability isn't what it once was.
However, unfortunately for them, AJ is super focused. He has completed a camp and he is preparing as if he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.
I expect my fighter to win inside two rounds with a devastating knockout.
He could hit Jake Paul to the body and he would break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to rise.
If he hits him clean, he will put him spark out. Or the referee.
We don't know exactly how it will unfold however with the way AJ throws punches - with the speed and power - the instant a punch lands on the chin, the fight is over.
Then we go back to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder of his career in boxing - to face Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.
