MIAMI – In a highly anticipated crossover event that polarized the boxing world, former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua decisively ended his contest against social media personality Jake Paul with a sixth-round knockout. The Friday night spectacle, streamed globally on Netflix from Miami’s Kaseya Center, culminated with Joshua connecting a devastating right hand that sent Paul collapsing to the canvas.
The bout, which guaranteed both participants a share of a monumental $184 million purse, highlighted the dramatic disparity in experience between the two-time world champion and the YouTube creator turned pugilist. Despite concerns from boxing purists about the matchup’s legitimacy, Paul demonstrated unexpected resilience by surviving into the middle rounds before Joshua’s superior power and technique proved overwhelming.
The contest featured awkward moments that drew criticism from spectators and officials alike. Referee Christopher Young openly expressed frustration during the fourth round, chastising both fighters with audible remarks about the disappointing quality of action. Paul frequently resorted to unorthodox tactics, including dropping to the canvas and attempting to grapple with Joshua’s legs.
Post-fight medical evaluation confirmed Paul’s suspicion of a double jaw fracture, visible in a radiograph shared on his social media platforms. Joshua acknowledged his own performance fell short of ideal, stating: ‘The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him. It took longer than expected but the right hand finally found its destination.’
Despite the one-sided outcome, Joshua offered respect for his opponent’s determination: ‘I want to give him his props – he got up time and time again. It takes a real man to do that.’ Paul remained characteristically optimistic despite the loss, vowing to continue his boxing ambitions: ‘I gave it my all. Anthony’s one of the best to ever do it. I’m gonna come back and get a world championship.’
With this victory, Joshua now looks toward a potential historic showdown with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury in 2026, potentially ending years of failed negotiations between the two champions.