Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua recorded a sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their highly publicised Netflix-backed fight held in Miami on Friday.
The bout, staged at the Kaseya Center, reportedly earned both fighters a combined purse of $184 million and sparked widespread debate within boxing circles due to the clear disparity in experience, size and pedigree between Joshua and Paul.
Despite expectations of an early finish, Joshua did not have it all his own way. The British boxer initially struggled to impose himself against Paul, who relied heavily on survival tactics, including clinching and repeated trips to the canvas, as the contest at times descended into a scrappy and disjointed affair.
Referee Christopher Young appeared visibly frustrated during the fourth round, warning both fighters that spectators “did not pay to see” a poor-quality contest.
As the fight progressed, however, Joshua’s physical advantage began to tell. Standing significantly taller and heavier, the two-time world champion increased the pressure in the fifth round, flooring Paul twice with heavy shots.
The end came in the sixth round when Joshua backed the American into a corner, setting him up with a powerful left hand before landing a decisive right to the chin that sent Paul crashing to the canvas for the final time.
Speaking after the fight, Joshua admitted the performance was not his sharpest but said the objective had been achieved.
“It wasn’t the best performance,” Joshua said. “But the goal was to pin him down and hurt him. It took longer than expected, but the right hand eventually landed.”
Joshua also praised Paul for his resilience, acknowledging his willingness to continue despite taking sustained punishment.
“He kept getting up and trying to find a way,” Joshua said. “That takes heart.”
Paul, whose face was visibly bloodied after the knockout, said he believed his jaw had been broken but expressed satisfaction with his effort.
“I gave it everything,” Paul said. “Anthony is one of the best to ever do it. I just got tired handling his weight. With better conditioning, I think I could have stayed in it longer.”
The fight marked Joshua’s first appearance in the ring in 15 months. Although widely criticised as a novelty event—coming a year after Paul’s much-maligned bout against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson—the contest lasted longer than many had predicted.
Statistics showed Joshua landed 48 punches from 146 thrown, compared to Paul’s 16 successful strikes, underlining the former champion’s dominance despite the slower start.
Joshua has now shifted his focus to a potential blockbuster showdown with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury in 2026.
“We’ve shaken off the rust,” Joshua said. “If Tyson Fury is serious, let’s put on the gloves and make it happen.”
