In a stunning display of power, Anthony Joshua delivered a knockout blow to Jake Paul in the sixth round, ending the highly anticipated heavyweight fight on December 19, 2025, in Miami. This victory not only showcased Joshua's undeniable skill but also reignited his path to reclaim the heavyweight title.
From the outset, Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, demonstrated why he's considered one of the sport's most formidable punchers. He relentlessly pursued Paul, dropping him twice in the fifth round, signaling the beginning of the end.
And this is the part most people miss... Sensing his opponent's fatigue, Joshua unleashed a devastating right uppercut early in the sixth round, followed by a final combination that sent Paul to the canvas for the fourth and final time. The referee, Christopher Young, counted Paul out at 1:31 of the round, in front of a roaring crowd of 19,600 spectators at the Kaseya Center.
Joshua's post-fight words were a testament to his sportsmanship: "It took a little bit longer than expected but the right hand finally found its destination. Jake Paul’s done really well tonight. I’m going to give him his props. He got up time and time again. I give Jake the respect for trying and trying. He came up against a real fighter tonight.”
But here's where it gets controversial... With this victory, Joshua now has the opportunity to reclaim the heavyweight title he lost to Oleksandr Usyk. Furthermore, talks of a long-awaited match with fellow Briton and former champion, Tyson Fury, have resurfaced. However, Fury is currently retired following consecutive losses to Usyk in 2024.
This fight marked Joshua’s first bout since Daniel Dubois knocked him out in five rounds in September 2024.
Joshua strategically controlled the pace from the opening round. Midway through the first round, Paul attempted an overhand right, which Joshua skillfully blocked. In the closing seconds, Joshua landed a right to the head. In the second round, Joshua began utilizing his 6-inch reach advantage by leading with a left jab.
Paul, despite his efforts, faced a determined Joshua. Paul did score with a short right to the head early in the fourth. Later in the round, Paul fell to the canvas twice.
Paul, in defeat, showed a resilient spirit: "I gave it my all. Anthony is a great fighter and I got my (rear end) kicked but that what this sport is all about. But I’m going to come back and keep winning.”
For the record, Paul weighed 216 pounds, while Joshua weighed 243 pounds for the bout.
The 28-year-old Paul, who began his boxing career in January 2020, originally planned an exhibition in Miami with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis. However, legal issues forced the cancellation, leading to the match against Joshua.
The crowd included celebrities such as golf champion Rory McIlroy, New York Mets slugger Juan Soto, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, and retired NFL receivers Michael Irvin and Brandon Marshall.
In an undercard bout between retired UFC champions, 50-year-old Anderson Silva secured a second-round TKO against Tyron Woodley.
What do you think about Joshua's performance? Do you believe Paul's boxing career has a future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
