Anthony Joshua stopped Jake Paul with a sixth-round knockout in Miami, completing a controlled but occasionally scrappy heavyweight contest against the YouTube star.
The former two-time world champion, fighting for the first time since his knockout defeat by Daniel Dubois in September 2024, took time to settle before gradually asserting his physical and technical superiority.
Paul began confidently, circling the ring in the opening round and landing a clean left hand that briefly caught Joshua’s attention. The American survived the first round without serious damage, despite Joshua landing a sharp right hand late in the session.
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Joshua increased the tempo in the second round, pressing forward behind his jab and forcing Paul onto the ropes. Although the Briton landed several heavy shots, Paul showed durability and movement to avoid sustained punishment.
The third round saw Paul enjoy his most competitive spell, landing an uppercut and growing in confidence as Joshua struggled to find a clean finishing blow. Former heavyweight champion David Haye, working as an analyst, suggested it was a fight Joshua “didn’t want” to drag on.
Momentum shifted decisively in the fourth round as Joshua leaned into his punches and began to impose his strength. Paul slipped and fell on multiple occasions during messy exchanges, while also requiring a brief stoppage to recover from a low blow that drew boos from the crowd.
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Joshua’s pressure told in the fifth round. A powerful right hand sent Paul to the canvas for the first clear knockdown of the fight, and although the American beat the count, he was visibly hurt and unsteady. Paul was dropped again moments later but managed to survive to the bell.
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The end came early in the sixth round when Joshua floored Paul with another right hand. Paul attempted to continue, but a follow-up combination left the referee with no option but to stop the contest.
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After the stoppage, Joshua lifted Paul’s hand in a show of respect and played down the significance of the victory.
“I don’t care about legacy,” Joshua said. “I just took my time and got the job done. I refuse to get hurt. There is no hurt in me.”
He also praised Paul’s resolve, adding: “He got up time and time again. You have to respect that.”
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Paul, who had promised a historic upset, earned credit for his toughness and willingness to engage, lasting into the sixth round against a seasoned heavyweight.
