I have no substantial defence regarding Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul. It's crazy the fact it's happening and I feel the skeptics are correct.
However, we just couldn't reject it. No fighter who is sensible would have said no. Anyone who says they would is completely lying outright.
We accepted a bout that we think is quite simple, will provide AJ a massive presence in America and among the highest earnings.
The Strategy Behind This Bout
Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest against a guy ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight division.
This was a chance to wrap the hands with his fresh coaching staff, do the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we are doing that exact tune-up however for fifty times the money.
We have a clear strategy in mind - to knock Jake out asap. Then, we return to regular business resuming next year.
Joshua will box versus a world-class fighter in February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Fury.
Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and taking this bout does not affect Joshua's legacy. However losing to Jake or it even going the distance certainly would.
That would be an absolute catastrophe and awfully embarrassing.
This Bout Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged
So many individuals have asked me questioning if it's scripted. First of all, we'd be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.
And does anyone believe I would allow AJ to follow a script with Jake Paul? A script in which we might lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.
We are certainly not providing this opponent an advantage or an opportunity to claim "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". That would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.
Expectations for a Quick Knockout
There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not stop him inside the first round then it is an embarrassment.
He's expected to walk through this opponent however, goodness, give him two or three rounds just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will determine the speed of the finish.
Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and attempting to clinch and stick and move, then he might survive a couple of rounds.
We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.
Similar to his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.
Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch a Little Bit
I've heard figures like Roy Jones Jr and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I really losing the plot ? Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?
Let us be something clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I think he's a decent cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 in the world.
This isn't a guy who has never put on boxing gloves before. He can whack with some power. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.
Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was hardly a total pushover.
Chavez Jr prepared for that bout and was a former titleholder who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.
Therefore I give credit to Jake Paul for his hard work and demonstrating respect to the craft , and he has done so much for female boxing with his promotion company.
But despite his self-belief, zeal, dedication and enhanced ability, he should be getting iced by Anthony Joshua.
The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over
Paul and his camp are hoping for many things. Banking on AJ underestimates him, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, hoping AJ is low in confidence, hoping AJ's chin has deteriorated.
However, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely focused. He has completed a camp and he is preparing as if he is facing Usyk or in a potential Dubois second fight.
I expect Anthony Joshua to triumph inside two rounds via a brutal knockout.
A shot to Jake to the midsection and he would break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to rise.
If he hits him clean, he will knock him to sleep. Or could intervene.
We don't know exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - as soon as a punch lands clean, the fight is over.
Subsequently the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the time of his career in boxing - to fight Tyson Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.
