The boxing world witnessed one of its most chaotic spectacles in recent memory as Anthony Joshua finally overcame YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a six-round knockout at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
The fight, streamed worldwide on Netflix, combined early drama, unpredictable exchanges, and a flurry of knockdowns that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
While Paul started strong, showcasing agility and clever footwork, Joshua’s experience and sheer power ultimately turned the tide, delivering a decisive victory that has reignited discussions about his next heavyweight challenge.
How Did Anthony Joshua Finally Overcome Jake Paul?
Anthony Joshua ended Jake Paul’s latest boxing adventure dramatically, delivering a sixth-round knockout after a messy but electrifying contest at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
The fight, streamed globally on Netflix, saw Joshua struggle in the early rounds before turning the tide with a flurry of knockdowns.
Paul, the American YouTuber turned boxer, impressed early by boxing on the back foot, dodging many of Joshua’s wild swings. But in Round 5, Joshua landed a series of critical punches that put Paul on the ropes.
A powerful right hand and body shots eventually led to the first knockdowns of the fight, signalling the start of a chaotic close.
By Round 6, Joshua had Paul in serious trouble. After multiple knockdowns and a visible injury to Paul’s right leg, the referee stopped the fight.
Joshua raised Paul’s arm in a gesture of respect, while the Brit finished the fight, landing 62% of his power punches.
“It wasn’t the best performance. The end goal was to get Paul, pin him down and hurt him,” Joshua said post-fight. “Jake Paul has done really well tonight. He got up, time and time again. It was difficult for me in there.”
What Went Wrong for Jake Paul?
Despite his early success, Paul’s conditioning and preparation were widely criticised.
Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis commented, “Paul was not in shape, especially for a big heavyweight like that. He was just sitting there and waiting to get hit.”
Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul — reality check delivered.
One clean knockdown and the hype evaporated.
Levels matter in boxing. Always have, always will. pic.twitter.com/zOG1N7ll1n— Prince (@Princeutd1P) December 20, 2025
Paul himself admitted to taking a beating but vowed to return stronger. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, he revealed a broken jaw: “Anthony is a great fighter.
I got my arse beat. But I’ll come back and keep winning… my jaw is broken by the way, it’s definitely broke.”
Paul also hinted at targeting the cruiserweight world title in future fights, aiming to rebuild his boxing career.
What Were the Key Moments in the Fight?
| Round | Key Action |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | Paul outboxed Joshua, keeping him off-balance; AJ struggled to land clean shots |
| 5 | Joshua lands first knockdowns, dominates the ropes, and builds momentum |
| 6 | Paul suffers multiple knockdowns; the referee stops the fight, and AJ wins by KO |
The fight was characterised by chaos and unpredictability, with Joshua ultimately asserting his heavyweight pedigree.
What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?
Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Joshua’s focus now turns to Tyson Fury: “Six rounds in the bank, 2026 back to business, Tyson Fury and then the world heavyweight championship.”
Joshua emphasised that while this fight wasn’t perfect, it was a necessary stepping stone for bigger challenges.
How Did Fans React?
Social media in the UK exploded as news of Joshua’s victory spread. Fans praised his persistence, while debates emerged around Paul’s conditioning and fight strategy.
Reddit discussions and Twitter threads show a mix of admiration for AJ’s comeback and sympathy for Paul’s early promise.
[SPOILER] Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua | Fight Highlights : r/Boxing
Summary
Anthony Joshua finally overcame Jake Paul in a six-round knockout at a Netflix-streamed Miami fight. Paul’s early success was undone by Joshua’s late-round dominance, culminating in multiple knockdowns and a referee stoppage.
Post-fight, Joshua called out Tyson Fury, while Paul revealed a broken jaw but vowed to continue his boxing career.
The fight has sparked both admiration and debate among UK fans, marking another memorable chapter in the crossover boxing phenomenon.
