MIAMI — Conventional wisdom said Anthony Joshua would overwhelm Jake Paul. On Friday night, that’s exactly what happened even if it took longer than expected. Joshua methodically broke Paul down at the Kaseya Center, scoring four knockdowns before ending the bout by sixth-round knockout with 1:31 remaining. The event, streamed on Netflix, was the highest-grossing boxing show in the venue’s history, according to Most Valuable Promotions. “The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him,” Joshua said afterward. “It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found the destination.”
Early Rounds: Paul Circles, Clinches, and Survives
For three rounds, Paul relied heavily on movement, circling away with his back near the ropes and clinching whenever Joshua closed the distance. Neither man landed anything damaging early, but Joshua consistently dictated the pace while Paul focused on avoiding exchanges.
In Round 4, Paul scored two clean right hands his best punches of the fight but the momentum evaporated as he repeatedly grabbed at Joshua’s legs, causing several tumbles to the canvas. One fall resulted in Joshua landing on top of him, leading to a pause in the action and warnings from referee Christopher Young.
Moments later, Paul dove at Joshua’s legs again, prompting additional admonishment.
Breakdown Begins: Body Shot Drops Paul
By Round 5, the constant retreating and clinching had clearly exhausted Paul.
Joshua pressed forward and dropped him with a body shot the first official knockdown of the night. Seconds later, a stiff straight hand sent Paul down for a second time.
Heading into the sixth, Paul looked fatigued and unsteady. He immediately dove for Joshua’s legs again and fell to the canvas.
At the halfway point of the round, Joshua found his moment: a blistering straight right hand that dropped Paul flat. Although Paul’s corner climbed onto the apron to stop the fight themselves, the referee had already waved it off.
Paul later told the broadcast that he believed his jaw was broken. MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian confirmed Paul drove himself to the hospital.
Joshua Gives Paul Respect: “He Kept on Trying”
Despite the lopsided outcome, Joshua praised Paul’s toughness and willingness to step in with a world-class heavyweight. “Jake Paul has done really well tonight,” Joshua said. “He got up time and time again. It was difficult for him, but he kept on trying to find a way. It takes a real man to do that. Anyone who laces up the gloves deserves respect. Well done but he came up against a real fighter tonight.”
What’s Next? Joshua Eyes Early 2026 Return and Maybe Tyson Fury
Joshua (29-4, 25 KOs) rebounded from his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September and is expected to return in early 2026. A victory there could finally position him for the long-discussed super fight with Tyson Fury (34-2, 24 KOs) a matchup that would be one of the biggest events in British boxing history.
Paul (12-2, 7 KOs), who entered on a six-fight win streak, faces a much longer road after taking a beating against the most accomplished opponent of his career.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
