I have no substantial justification regarding AJ versus Jake Paul. It's crazy that it's happening and I feel the naysayers are correct.
However, we simply could not turn it down. No fighter who is sensible would have said no. Anyone who says they'd refuse are utterly dishonest outright.
We took a fight that we believe is extremely easy, will give AJ a huge profile in the United States and among the highest paydays.
The Plan For the Fight
Anthony Joshua was set to have a run-out fight this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-round contest versus an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the heavyweight rankings.
This was a chance to wrap the hands with his new coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we're doing that exact run-out but for about 50 times more money.
We have an obvious game plan in mind - to knock Jake out asap. After that, we go into regular business being resumed next year.
AJ will fight against a world-class opponent next February and - if all goes well - he will then face Fury.
Therefore there's a method behind this craziness and accepting this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. But losing to Jake or it even going the full distance certainly would.
It would be an absolute disaster and terribly embarrassing.
Paul vs Joshua Is Definitely Not Pre-Arranged
So many people have come up to me questioning whether it's fixed. First of all, we would be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be against the law. This is a professional contest and a sanctioned bout on which people are betting.
And does anyone believe I would allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan with Jake Paul? A script where we might lose or even hold him up? Absolutely not.
We are not giving this guy an advantage or an opportunity to claim "I told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be catastrophic for AJ and we will not take that risk.
Public Pressure for an Early Knockout
There are also those saying if AJ doesn't knock him out inside the first round then it's an embarrassment.
He is expected to walk through this guy but, blimey, give him two or three stanzas just in case. Since Jake's approach will determine the pace of the finish.
Should he come forward, it will all be over rapidly. However if he fights on the back foot and attempting to clinch and jab and move, then he might survive a couple of rounds.
We're not going to see AJ charge across the ring in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.
Similar to he did against Ngannou, he will step into the ring, measure him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.
Paul Can Punch Somewhat
I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas stating you can't count Jake Paul out in this fight. Am I going crazy ? Is there something they see that I'm not?
Let us be one thing right - Jake is a pro fighter. I think he's a decent cruiserweight - ranked in the top 70 globally.
This is not a guy who has never laced a pair of gloves before. He can punch with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-ten heavyweights.
Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was not a complete mug.
Chavez Jr trained for that bout and was a former titleholder who went to points with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Sergio Martinez late in the fight.
So I give credit to Jake for his hard work and demonstrating respect to the craft , and he has accomplished a great deal for female boxing with his promotion company.
But in spite of his self-belief, zeal, dedication and improved skills, he ought to be being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.
Once AJ Lands, It's Over
Paul and his camp are hoping for a lot of factors. Hoping AJ is underestimating him, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's lack of activity will cost him, banking on AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's durability isn't what it once was.
But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He has completed a camp and he's training as if he is facing Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois rematch.
I anticipate Anthony Joshua to win inside two rounds via a brutal knockout.
He could hit Jake Paul to the body and he would break his rib cage and he would be unable to rise.
If he hits him clean, he will knock him spark out. Or the referee.
It is unknown how it could play out however with the way AJ throws punches - with the speed and destruction - the instant a punch lands on the chin, the fight is over.
Subsequently we go back to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the time of his career in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time world heavyweight champion.
