I have no substantial justification regarding AJ vs. Jake Paul. It's crazy that it's occurring and I think the skeptics are spot on.
However, we just couldn't refuse it. No fighter in their right mind would have said no. Anyone who says they'd refuse is completely lying outright.
We took a bout which we think will be extremely easy, will give AJ a massive presence in the United States and one of the highest paydays.
The Strategy Behind This Bout
AJ was going to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.
This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his fresh training team, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that exact run-out but for 50 times more money.
We possess a clear strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to normal service being resumed in 2026.
Joshua will box against a top-tier opponent in February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Fury.
So there's a method to this madness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. But a loss against Paul or it even going the distance would.
It would be an absolute disaster and terribly embarrassing.
This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted
A great many individuals have asked me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if that were true. It would be illegal. This is a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.
And does anyone believe I would ever allow AJ to follow a script involving Jake? A plan where we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.
We are certainly not giving this opponent an advantage or a chance to say "told you I am superior to AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be catastrophic for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to risk that.
Expectations for a Quick Finish
There are also those saying if AJ doesn't stop him in the first round then it is a disgrace.
He is expected to dominate this opponent but, blimey, allow him two to three stanzas just in case. Because Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.
If he gets brave, it will end quickly. But if he is boxing on the back foot and trying to tie him up and jab and move, then he may last a few rounds.
We're not going to see AJ run across the ring immediately and start windmilling.
Just like he did against Francis Ngannou, he will go into the ring, measure him up and then unleash with his power shots.
Paul Can Whack a Little Bit
I have heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake out in this fight. Am I really going crazy here Is there anything they see that I'm not?
Let us be one thing right - Jake is a pro fighter. I think he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 globally.
This is not a guy who has never put on boxing gloves before. He is able to punch with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.
Putting aside the victory against Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who might have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.
He prepared for the fight and was a former titleholder who went the distance against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.
So I actually credit Jake Paul for training hard and demonstrating respect for the sport , and he has accomplished so much for women's boxing with his promotion company.
Yet despite his self-belief, passion, commitment and enhanced ability, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.
The Moment AJ Lands, It Is Finished
Jake and his team are banking on many factors. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is past his best, banking on AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks confidence, hoping AJ's chin isn't what it once was.
However, unfortunately for them, AJ is super focused. He's had a training camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois rematch.
I expect Anthony Joshua to win within two rounds with a devastating knockout.
He could hit Jake to the midsection and it could break his ribs and he would be unable to rise.
Should he land flush, he will knock him spark out. Alternatively could jump in.
We don't know exactly how it will unfold but with the way AJ punches - with his speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.
Then we go back to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the time of his career in boxing - to face Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.
