I've got no real defense regarding AJ versus Jake Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I believe the naysayers are correct.
But, we just couldn't refuse it. No fighter in their right mind would have declined. Anyone who says they'd refuse are completely lying outright.
We took a fight which we think is extremely easy, will provide AJ a massive presence in the United States and one of the highest paydays.
The Plan For This Bout
Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest versus an opponent who was ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.
It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his fresh training team, do the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we are doing that same tune-up however for about fifty times the purse.
We have a clear game plan in mind - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. Then, we return to normal service resuming in 2026.
Joshua will box against a world-class fighter next February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Fury.
Therefore there's a method to this madness and taking this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. But losing to Paul or it even going the distance would.
It would be a complete catastrophe and awfully humiliating.
This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted
A great many individuals have come up to me questioning if it's scripted. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if that were true. That would be against the law. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match on which people are betting.
And does anyone believe I would permit AJ to follow a script with Jake? A script in which we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.
We are certainly not giving this opponent an edge or a chance to say "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to risk that.
Public Pressure for a Quick Finish
There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not stop him in the first round then it is an embarrassment.
He's expected to walk through this guy but, goodness, give him two to three rounds just in case. Since Jake's approach will determine the speed of destruction.
Should he come forward, it will end rapidly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and trying to clinch and jab and move, then he might survive a couple of rounds.
We're not going to see AJ run across the squared circle immediately and begin swinging wildly.
Just like his approach against Ngannou, he will go into the ring, measure him up and then unleash with his power shots.
Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack a Little Bit
I have heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I really going crazy here Is there anything they're seeing that I'm not?
Let's get something clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I believe he's a decent 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 in the world.
This isn't a guy who has never laced a pair of gloves previously. He can whack with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.
Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was hardly a complete mug.
Chavez Jr trained for the fight and was a former world champion who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.
So I actually credit Jake for his hard work and demonstrating respect to the craft of boxing and he has done a great deal for women's boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.
But in spite of his delusion, passion, dedication and improved skills, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.
Once AJ Lands, It's Over
Jake and his team are banking on a lot of things. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's lack of activity will be a factor, banking on AJ lacks confidence, banking on AJ's durability has deteriorated.
But, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely focused. He has completed a training camp and he's training like he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.
I anticipate Anthony Joshua to triumph within two rounds with a devastating KO.
He could hit Jake to the midsection 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.
We don't know exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ punches - with his speed and power - the instant Jake is hit clean, the fight is over.
Then the focus returns to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the time of his career in this sport - to fight Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.
