British heavyweight standout Anthony Joshua delivered a stark reminder of elite boxing’s hierarchy on Friday night, knocking out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round of their highly anticipated clash at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
The bout — streamed globally on Netflix — saw Paul, known more for his crossover appeal than traditional pugilism, hold his own through the early rounds by using movement and defensive tactics. However, as the fight progressed, Joshua’s experience and power began to dominate. Paul was knocked down twice in the fifth round before Joshua landed a decisive right hand in the sixth, flooring Paul and prompting the referee to stop the contest at 1:31 of the round.
The victory marked Joshua’s return to the ring after a 15-month layoff and added another knockout to his distinguished career, improving his professional record. Paul suffered his first career knockout loss, with reports suggesting he may have sustained a broken jaw during the bout — though he declared his intention to continue pursuing success in boxing once healed.
After the fight, Joshua offered respect for Paul’s toughness, noting that the younger fighter repeatedly rose from the canvas and showed resilience despite the punishment. However, the result served as a clear reality check about the gap between crossover entertainers and elite professional fighters.
Joshua also used the win as a platform to call out future challengers, specifically pointing at potential heavyweight matchups that could shape the division in 2026. The bout, which drew a capacity crowd and significant viewership worldwide, underscored Joshua’s enduring status as one of boxing’s premier talents while highlighting the limitations of social-media-driven boxing ventures when matched against seasoned champions.
Overall, Joshua’s sixth-round knockout delivered both drama and a clear message: experience and knockout power still reign supreme in the heavyweight division.
