Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua secured a knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly anticipated and widely debated Netflix-backed fight held in Miami. The bout, staged at the Kaseya Center, attracted global attention due to the stark contrast in experience, size, and boxing pedigree between the two fighters.
The fight reportedly saw both Joshua and Paul share a massive purse estimated at $184 million, further fueling criticism from boxing purists who questioned the sporting value of the matchup. Concerns had been raised well before fight night about the safety and competitiveness of pairing a former two-time world champion with a social media personality.
Despite expectations of a quick finish, Joshua took longer than predicted to impose his dominance. The contest unfolded over six rounds, with Joshua gradually breaking down his opponent in an uneven and at times chaotic encounter. Paul frequently resorted to clinching and awkward movements, drawing visible frustration from officials and spectators alike.
The bout briefly descended into farce as Paul repeatedly dropped to the canvas and clutched at Joshua’s legs in an attempt to survive. At one point, even the referee appeared exasperated, warning both fighters that fans had not paid to witness such a display.
As the rounds progressed, Joshua’s physical advantages became more evident. Standing 6ft 6in, the British heavyweight began landing punches with increasing frequency as Paul’s stamina faded. After flooring the American twice in the fifth round, Joshua sensed the end was near.
The decisive moment came in the sixth round. Joshua trapped Paul in a corner, set him up with a powerful left hand, and followed with a crushing right to the chin that sent Paul crashing to the canvas for the final time. The referee waved off the fight, sealing a knockout win for Joshua.
Speaking after the fight, Joshua admitted the performance was not his sharpest but said the objective had been clear. He explained that the goal was to control Paul and inflict damage, even if it took longer than expected to achieve the result.
Joshua also praised Paul’s resilience, acknowledging that the American showed determination by repeatedly getting back to his feet despite taking heavy punishment.
Paul, meanwhile, appeared bloodied and exhausted but remained upbeat in defeat. He claimed he believed his jaw had been broken and later confirmed via social media that he had suffered a double fracture. Despite the injury, Paul expressed satisfaction with his effort and praised Joshua’s power and experience.
Statistically, Joshua dominated the contest, landing 48 of 146 punches compared to Paul’s 16 landed shots. The fight marked Joshua’s return to the ring after a 15-month absence and served as a tune-up ahead of bigger ambitions.
Joshua has now turned his focus toward a potential blockbuster clash with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury. He signaled readiness for major fights ahead, hinting at a lucrative showdown that could take place next year.
