I have no substantial defense regarding AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's crazy that it's happening and I believe the critics are correct.
But, we simply could not refuse it. No boxer in their right mind would have declined. Anybody claiming they would is completely lying outright.
We took a bout which we believe will be quite simple, will provide AJ an enormous profile in America and one of his career-high 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 versus a guy ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.
It was an opportunity to wrap the hands by his fresh training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that exact tune-up but for about fifty times the purse.
We possess an obvious game plan in mind - to stop Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to regular business being resumed next year.
AJ will fight against a world-class fighter in February and - should things go to plan - he will then fight Fury.
Therefore there's a method to this madness and accepting this fight will not harm Joshua's legacy. But a loss against Paul or it even going the distance certainly would.
It would be a complete catastrophe and awfully humiliating.
Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Scripted
A great many people have come up to me asking if it's scripted. First of all, we'd be investigated by authorities if it was. It would be against the law. This is a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match on which people are betting.
And do you think I would ever permit AJ to have a pre-written plan involving Jake? A script in which we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.
We are not providing this opponent an edge or an opportunity to say "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be devastating for AJ and we will not risk that.
Expectations for a Early Knockout
There are also those saying if AJ doesn't knock him out in the first round then it's an embarrassment.
He's expected to dominate this opponent but, blimey, give him two or three rounds just in case. Because how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of the finish.
If he gets brave, it will end quickly. However if he is boxing defensively and trying to tie him up and jab and move, then he may last a couple of rounds.
We're not going to see AJ run across the squared circle immediately and start windmilling.
Just like he did against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, size him up and then unleash with his power shots.
Jake Paul Has the Ability to Whack Somewhat
I have heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake in this bout. Am I really going crazy here Is there anything they're seeing that I'm not?
Let's get something right - Jake is a pro fighter. I believe he's a decent 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 globally.
This is not an individual who has never put on boxing gloves before. He can punch with some power. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.
Putting aside the victory against Mike Tyson, who was an old man, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who might have been a faded fighter but was hardly a total pushover.
He prepared for that bout and was a former world champion who went to points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez in the final round.
Therefore I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect for the sport , and he has accomplished a great deal for women's boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.
But despite his self-belief, passion, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.
Once Joshua Connects, It Is Finished
Paul and his camp are hoping for many factors. Hoping AJ underestimates him, banking on AJ is past his best, 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 extremely switched on. He's had a training camp and he's training like he's fighting Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois second fight.
I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds with a devastating KO.
He could hit Jake Paul to the midsection and it could break his rib cage and he would be unable to get up.
Should he land flush, he will knock him spark out. Alternatively could intervene.
We don't know how it could play out however with the way AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - as soon as a punch lands clean, the contest will end.
Then the focus returns to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the time he has left in boxing - to face Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.
