Eddie Hearn has declared that boxing would face complete devastation if Anthony Joshua were to suffer an unexpected loss to Jake Paul next month. The two-time heavyweight world champion is due to clash with the YouTuber-turned-pugilist Paul in Miami on December 19.

Beyond possessing significantly greater experience and expertise than Paul, who has competed in 13 professional bouts and typically fights around the cruiserweight division, Joshua boasts a considerable physical advantage given he stands 13cm taller than his rival. The height disparity clearly visible during their pre-fight press conference last week. A defeat to Paul in the £140 million bout would prove catastrophic for Joshua's standing in the sport, according to Hearn; however, his longtime promoter does not anticipate such an outcome.

Hearn said of Paul: "He is a top-50, in the world, cruiserweight. He is a legitimate cruiserweight now. I just don't think he's world class and I don't think there's any non-world-class cruiserweight that can step up to heavyweight and beat Anthony Joshua.

"Maybe I'm wrong. If I'm wrong, I think my time's up. Not just AJ and me retire, I think we should all retire. So, AJ, the weight of boxing is on your shoulders, my man!"

Hearn anticipates Joshua will deliver a swift knockout blow. He told Sky Sports: "I really believe this is going to be a straightforward obliteration. This is a real fight. This is a sanctioned contest. It is completely illegal to have any kind of agreement of how the fight would play out. Fair play to Jake Paul. He's signed up for a real fight.

"Within less than a minute of that fight, he is going to think to himself, 'What on earth have I done here?' And more importantly, 'What am I going to do?' There is absolutely no escape for Jake Paul in this fight. You will find out very quickly what this boxing game is all about. And it will not be pleasant for you."

What would constitute success for Joshua in the bout besides claiming victory? Well, Hearn reckons that the Watford-born heavyweight has zero interest in prolonging matters and believes the contest will not last for very long.

Hearn continued: "AJ, he's got no interest in hanging around. He's not capable of doing that. He can't do it because the minute he smells weakness, the minute he smells blood, he's letting his hands go. And the minute he lets his hands go in this fight, there's a major problem for Jake Paul.

"Will [AJ] have a look for a minute? Maybe. But if Jake Paul shows any sign of aggression, the fight's over. And if he doesn't, he's going to get walked down and beaten up.

"I would say two rounds is fair for Anthony Joshua. I would be disappointed if AJ didn't get him out of there in two rounds."