I've got no substantial justification regarding Anthony Joshua vs. Paul. It's insane that it's happening and I think the skeptics are right.
However, we simply could not reject it. No boxer who is sensible would have declined. Anybody claiming they'd refuse is completely lying through their teeth.
We accepted a fight that we believe will be quite simple, will provide AJ a massive presence in the United States and among his career-high earnings.
The Strategy Behind This Bout
Anthony Joshua was set to have a tune-up bout this November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder versus an opponent ranked about 100th in the world heavyweight rankings.
It was an opportunity to get his hands wrapped by his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and go through the motions. Now, we are doing that exact run-out but for 50 times more purse.
We possess an obvious strategy planned - to knock Jake Paul out as soon as possible. After that, we return to normal service resuming next year.
AJ will fight versus a world-class opponent in February and - if all goes well - he will then fight Tyson Fury.
Therefore there is logic behind this craziness and accepting this fight will not harm AJ's legacy. But losing to Jake or it even going the distance certainly would.
That would be an absolute catastrophe and terribly embarrassing.
This Bout Is Not Pre-Arranged
So many individuals have come up to me questioning if it's scripted. Firstly, we'd be investigated by authorities if that were true. It would be illegal. This constitutes a professional fight and an officially sanctioned match on which fans are wagering.
And do you think I would allow AJ to have a pre-written plan with Jake Paul? A plan in which we might lose or even make him look bad? Absolutely not.
We are certainly not providing this opponent an advantage or a chance to say "told you I was better than AJ" or "I took rounds from him". This would be devastating for Anthony Joshua and we will not take that risk.
Public Pressure for a Quick Finish
There are also those saying if AJ doesn't knock him out inside the first round then it's a disgrace.
He is expected to walk through this guy but, blimey, allow him two or three rounds for safety. Since Jake's approach will reflect on the speed of the finish.
If he gets brave, it will all be over quickly. However if he is boxing defensively and attempting to clinch and jab and move, then he might last a couple of rounds.
We will not see AJ charge across the squared circle in the first few seconds and begin swinging wildly.
Just like he did against Ngannou, he will go in there, measure him up and then go in with the heavy artillery.
Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch Somewhat
I've heard the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake Paul in this bout. Am I losing the plot here Is there anything they're seeing that I am missing?
Let us be one thing clear - Jake Paul is a pro fighter. I believe he is a respectable 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.
This is not an individual who has never put on boxing gloves before. He is able to whack with some power. He's sparring Okolie and top-10 big men.
Forgetting the win over Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake defeated Chavez Jr - who may have been a done fighter but was hardly a total pushover.
Chavez Jr trained for the fight and was a former titleholder who went to points with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and came close to stopping Martinez in the final round.
So I give credit to Jake Paul for training hard and showing respect for the sport of boxing and he has done a great deal for women's boxing through his promotion company.
Yet in spite of his delusion, passion, commitment 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 many things. Banking on AJ is underestimating them, hoping AJ is shot, hoping AJ's inactivity will be a factor, hoping AJ is low in confidence, banking on AJ's chin isn't what it once was.
But, to their misfortune, AJ is super focused. He has completed a camp and he's training like he's fighting Oleksandr Usyk or in a Dubois second fight.
I expect my fighter to win inside two rounds via a brutal KO.
He could hit Jake to the body and he would break his ribs and he would be unable to rise.
Should he land flush, 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 power - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the contest will end.
Then the focus returns to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the time of his career in this sport - to fight Tyson Fury and to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.
