Joshua Will Knock Jake Paul Out Quickly – Hearn

Hearn: Joshua Will “Ice” Jake Paul in Two Rounds

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has boldly predicted that Anthony Joshua will deliver a devastating early knockout when he faces Jake Paul in their controversial upcoming fight, dismissing any suggestion the bout is scripted or a threat to AJ’s legacy.

Despite widespread criticism over the matchup, Hearn admits the decision to take the fight was a calculated one, based on financial gain, exposure in the US, and minimal risk ahead of Joshua’s return to elite competition.

“We took a fight that we believe will be very straightforward,” Hearn told BBC Sport. “It gives AJ a huge profile in America and one of his career-high paydays.”

Not Scripted – “AJ Will End It Fast”

Hearn strongly dismissed conspiracy theories claiming the fight is staged, emphasizing that the bout is a sanctioned, professional contest, with betting markets in play.

“We’d be investigated by the FBI if this was scripted,” said Hearn. “This is not WWE. Once AJ lands, it’s over.”

Hearn is confident Joshua will knock Paul out within two rounds, stating:

“He could hit Jake to the body and break his ribs… If he hits him clean, he will knock him spark out.”

Strategic Move, Not a Risk to Legacy

Joshua was originally scheduled for a low-stakes November bout in Saudi Arabia, but the Paul fight presented a much more lucrative alternative.

“This is the same run-out, but for 50 times more money,” Hearn explained.

Hearn insists that Joshua’s 2026 plan remains unchanged:

• A return in February against a top-tier opponent

• A long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury

• A final run at becoming three-time world heavyweight champion

Jake Paul Has Improved, But No Match

Hearn acknowledged Paul’s growth as a professional boxer, noting his wins over Chavez Jr. and commitment to training, but made it clear that Joshua’s power and precision will be too much.

“Jake can whack a little bit. He’s sparring top guys. But once AJ lands, the fight’s done.”

Even if Paul tries to survive by moving and clinching, Hearn says it’ll only delay the inevitable.

What If Jake Lasts?

Some pundits like Roy Jones Jr. and Teddy Atlas have suggested that Paul can’t be counted out completely. Hearn laughed off those opinions:

“Am I losing the plot here? What are they seeing that I’m not?”

He added that anything other than a knockout win would be a disaster for Joshua’s reputation.

AJ’s Mindset Is Locked In

“He’s training like he’s fighting Usyk,” said Hearn. “He’s super switched on.”

With the boxing world watching, Hearn is betting big on Joshua delivering a clinical performance, keeping the bigger picture in sight: Fury and world titles.