Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua delivered a dominant display on Friday night, knocking down YouTube star Jake Paul four times before sealing a emphatic sixth-round knockout at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Joshua was in full control from the opening bell, systematically breaking down the courageous but overmatched Paul. The fight ended decisively after the American failed to beat the referee’s count following his fourth knockdown.
“The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him,” Joshua said after the bout. “It took a little bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found its destination.”
Paul had confidently predicted he would shock the world by defeating the former heavyweight champion, but instead suffered the first knockout loss of his professional boxing career. While the 28-year-old landed a few clean shots, Joshua appeared largely untroubled and steadily increased the pressure.
In the sixth round, Joshua floored Paul again with a crushing right hand, and this time the fight was over. Paul remained on the canvas as the referee completed the count, bringing the contest to an end.
Paul was conscious but visibly bloodied afterward and admitted the punishment he endured. “I think my jaw is broke,” he said. “Anthony’s a great fighter and I got my ass beat. But that’s what this sport is about.”
Joshua, 36, was gracious in victory, praising Paul’s toughness. “He got up time and time again. It was difficult in there for him, but he kept trying to find a way. It takes a real man to do that,” he said.
Paul entered the fight as a heavy underdog with a 12–1 professional record, including seven knockouts. Despite his growing résumé, questions had surrounded his level of competition due to wins over non-traditional boxing opponents such as fellow YouTubers, MMA fighters, a retired NBA player, and aging boxers. Those doubts are now expected to intensify following the one-sided defeat.
Still, Paul remained upbeat after the loss. “Man, that was good,” he said. “I just got an ass whupping from one of the best to ever do this.”
Looking ahead, Paul said the defeat would not derail his ambitions, revealing plans to continue his career at his natural weight and pursue a cruiserweight world title.
Joshua, meanwhile, shifted focus to the future and called out long-time rival Tyson Fury, reigniting speculation over a potential blockbuster all-British showdown next year.
