I have no genuine justification for Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's wild that it's happening and I believe the naysayers are spot on.
But, we just couldn't refuse it. No fighter in their right mind would have said no. Anybody claiming they would are completely lying through their teeth.
We accepted a fight that we think is very straightforward, will provide AJ an enormous profile in America and one of the highest earnings.
The Strategy For This Bout
AJ was going to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi - an eight-rounder against a guy ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.
This was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped with his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we're doing that same tune-up but for about fifty times the purse.
We possess an obvious strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out asap. After that, we return to regular business resuming next year.
Joshua will box versus a top-tier opponent in February and - if all goes well - he will then face Fury.
So there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this bout will not harm AJ's legacy. But losing to Jake or it even going the distance would.
It would be an absolute disaster and terribly humiliating.
Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged
A great many people have asked me asking whether it's fixed. Firstly, we'd be investigated by the FBI if that were true. That would be illegal. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where fans are wagering.
And do you think I would permit AJ to follow a pre-written plan with Jake? A script where we might lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.
We are certainly not providing this opponent an edge or an opportunity to say "told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not take that risk.
Public Pressure for an Early Knockout
Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out inside the first round then it's a disgrace.
He is expected to walk through this guy but, goodness, give him two to three stanzas just in case. Since how Jake approaches it will reflect on the speed of the finish.
Should he come forward, it will all be over quickly. But if he fights defensively and attempting to clinch and jab and move, then he may last a few rounds.
We will not see AJ charge across the ring in the first few seconds and start windmilling.
Similar to he did against Ngannou, he will go into the ring, size him up and then unleash with the heavy artillery.
Paul Can Whack Somewhat
I've heard figures like Roy Jones and Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I going crazy here Is there something they see that I'm not?
Let us be something clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I think 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 punch a little bit. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-10 heavyweights.
Forgetting the win over Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was not a total pushover.
He prepared for that bout and was a former titleholder who went the distance against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Sergio Martinez late in the fight.
Therefore I actually credit Jake for his hard work and showing respect for the sport , and he has done a great deal for women's boxing with his promotion company.
Yet in spite of his self-belief, passion, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.
Once Joshua Connects, It's Over
Paul and his camp are hoping for many things. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's inactivity will cost him, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's durability has deteriorated.
But, to their misfortune, AJ is extremely switched on. He has completed a camp and he is preparing like he's fighting Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois rematch.
I anticipate my fighter to win inside two rounds via a brutal knockout.
He could hit Jake to the body and it could break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to get up.
Should he land flush, he will put him to sleep. Or the referee.
We don't know how it could play out but given how AJ punches - with the speed and power - the instant Jake is hit clean, the contest will end.
Subsequently we go back to AJ's primary objectives he wants to achieve in the remainder of his career in this sport - to fight Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.
