I have no substantial defence for Anthony Joshua versus Paul. It's crazy the fact it's taking place and I believe the naysayers are spot on.
But, we just couldn't reject it. No boxer who is sensible would have said no. Anybody claiming they would is completely lying outright.
We took a fight which we think will be quite simple, will give AJ an enormous profile in the United States and among his career-high earnings.
The Strategy For the Fight
AJ was going to have a tune-up bout in November in Saudi - an eight-round contest against an opponent who was ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight division.
It was a chance to wrap the hands by his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Now, we are doing that same tune-up however for fifty times the money.
We possess a clear game plan planned - to knock Jake out asap. Then, we return to regular business being resumed next year.
AJ will fight versus a top-tier fighter next February and - if all goes well - he will then face Tyson Fury.
So there's a method behind this craziness and taking this fight will not harm Joshua's legacy. But losing to Paul or the fight even going the full distance would.
That would be an absolute disaster and terribly humiliating.
This Bout Is Definitely Not Scripted
A great many individuals have asked me questioning 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 contest and a sanctioned bout on which fans are wagering.
And does anyone believe I would ever allow AJ to follow a pre-written plan involving Jake Paul? A plan where we could lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.
We are not giving this guy an advantage or a chance to say "told you I was better than AJ" or "I won rounds". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we're not going to take that risk.
Public Pressure for an Early Finish
Then there are those who say if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out in the first round then it's an embarrassment.
He is expected to dominate this guy however, goodness, allow him two to three rounds for safety. Because Jake's approach will determine the speed of destruction.
If he gets brave, it will end rapidly. However if he is boxing on the back foot and trying to clinch and jab and move, then he might last a few rounds.
We will not see AJ run across the ring immediately and begin swinging wildly.
Similar to his approach against Ngannou, he will go in there, measure him up and then unleash with his power shots.
Paul Can Punch a Little Bit
I have heard the likes of Roy Jones and Atlas stating you cannot dismiss Jake out in this fight. Am I losing the plot here Is there something they see that I'm not?
Let us be one thing clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I believe he is a respectable cruiserweight - top 60 or 70 globally.
This is not an individual who has never laced a pair of gloves previously. He is able to whack a little bit. He's sparring Lawrence Okolie and top-ten big men.
Putting aside the win over Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was hardly a total pushover.
He trained for that bout and was a former world champion who went the distance against Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez in the final round.
So I actually credit Jake for training hard and demonstrating respect for the sport of boxing and he has done a great deal for women's boxing with his Most Valuable Promotions.
But despite his delusion, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he ought to be getting iced by Joshua.
Once AJ Lands, It Is Finished
Paul and his camp are banking on a lot of things. Banking on AJ is underestimating him, banking on AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will be a factor, hoping AJ is low in confidence, banking on 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 is preparing like he is facing Usyk or in a Daniel Dubois second fight.
I expect my fighter to triumph within two rounds with a devastating knockout.
He could hit Jake to the body and he would break his rib cage and he would be unable to get up.
If he hits him clean, he will knock him to sleep. Alternatively the referee.
It is unknown exactly how it will unfold however given how AJ throws punches - with his speed and power - as soon as Jake is hit clean, the fight is over.
Then the focus returns to AJ's two goals he aims to accomplish in the time he has left in boxing - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.
