I have no real defence for Anthony Joshua versus Paul. It's crazy the fact it's occurring and I believe the skeptics are correct.
But, we just couldn't reject it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse are utterly dishonest through their teeth.
We took a bout which we think will be extremely easy, will give AJ a huge presence in the United States and among the highest earnings.
The Plan For This Bout
Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus a guy ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.
This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his new coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that exact tune-up but for about fifty times the money.
We possess an obvious strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. Then, we go into normal service being resumed in 2026.
Joshua will box versus a world-class opponent in February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Tyson Fury.
Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and taking this fight will not harm Joshua's legacy. But losing to Paul or it even going the distance would.
That would be a complete catastrophe and terribly embarrassing.
This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged
So many people have come up to me questioning whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be against the law. This is a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.
And does anyone believe I would ever permit AJ to have a script involving Jake? A script where we might lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.
We are not providing this opponent an edge or an opportunity to say "told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not risk that.
Expectations for an Quick Knockout
Then there are those saying if AJ doesn't knock him out in the first round then it's an embarrassment.
He is expected to dominate this guy but, goodness, allow him two or three rounds just in case. Since Jake's approach will determine the speed of the finish.
If he gets brave, it will all be over rapidly. But if he is boxing defensively and attempting to tie him up and jab and move, then he might survive a few rounds.
We're not going to see AJ charge across the squared circle immediately and start windmilling.
Just like he did against Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then unleash with his power shots.
Paul Can Punch a Little Bit
I've heard figures like Roy Jones Jr 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 am missing?
Let's get something clear - Jake is a professional boxer. I believe he's a decent 200-pound fighter - top 60 or 70 globally.
This isn't a guy that has not laced a pair of gloves previously. He is able to punch with some power. He spars Lawrence Okolie and top-10 big men.
Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a total pushover.
Chavez Jr prepared for the fight and had been a titleholder who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.
So I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and demonstrating respect to the craft , and he has done so much for women's boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions.
But in spite of his delusion, passion, dedication and enhanced ability, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.
Once Joshua Connects, It Is Finished
Jake and his team are banking on a lot of things. Banking on AJ underestimates him, hoping AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's chin isn't what it once was.
However, unfortunately for them, AJ is super focused. He has completed a camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Usyk or in a Dubois rematch.
I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds with a devastating KO.
He could hit Jake to the body and it could break his rib cage and he wouldn't be able to rise.
If he hits him clean, he will put him to sleep. Or could intervene.
It is unknown how it could play out but given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.
Then the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in boxing - to fight Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.
