Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua delivered a dominant performance on Friday night, dropping YouTube star Jake Paul four times before sealing a brutal sixth-round knockout at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Joshua, who was in complete control throughout the contest, systematically broke down the brave but outgunned Paul, ending the fight emphatically 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 in his post-fight interview. “It took a little bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found its destination.”
Paul had boldly predicted he would shock the world by beating the former heavyweight champion, but instead suffered the first knockdown and knockout loss of his professional boxing career. Although the 28-year-old landed a few solid shots, Joshua appeared largely unfazed and steadily increased the pressure.
In the sixth round, Joshua dropped Paul again with a crushing right hand, and this time there was no escape. Paul remained on the canvas as the referee completed the count, bringing the bout to a decisive end.
Paul finished the fight conscious but bloodied, later admitting the toll the contest had taken. “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 resilience despite the punishment. “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,” Joshua said.
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Heading into the fight, Paul was a heavy underdog and carried a 12-1 professional record, with seven knockouts. Despite his growing résumé, doubts had persisted about his level due to wins over non-traditional boxing opponents, including a fellow YouTuber, MMA fighters, a retired NBA player and aging boxers. Those questions are now likely to intensify following the one-sided loss.
Still, Paul remained upbeat afterwards. “Man, that was good,” he said. “I just got an ass whupping from one of the best to ever do this”.
Looking ahead, Paul insisted the defeat would not derail his ambitions. He revealed plans to continue his career at his natural weight and target a cruiserweight world title.
After the fight, Joshua turned his attention to the future and called out long-time rival Tyson Fury, reigniting speculation over a blockbuster all-British showdown next year.
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