Anthony Joshua handed Jake Paul a knockout in Miami after enduring a frustrating early round against the YouTube star.
The two-time world heavyweight champion from Britain struggled to hold down Paul in the early rounds, but ultimately ended the fight in the sixth round with a huge right hand that broke his opponent’s jaw.
Paul, who had difficulty keeping his footing throughout the match, got caught on the ropes, and the referee swung the ropes away as he wobbled to his feet.
However, Joshua later admitted it was “not my best performance” and the 36-year-old was widely expected to stop his novice opponent sooner in the bout, which was scheduled to last eight rounds at the Caseya Center.
Paul was hit hard on the floor in the sixth round and was unable to continue.
The YouTube star made his usual cheeky entrance, wearing sunglasses as he took part in the ring walk with the rap artist, but Paul exuded nervous energy once the first bell rang, peddling in the background for most of the first round.
As Joshua searched his range and delivered sharp jabs, Paul landed a lone left hand to the delight of the American crowd.
Joshua was even more aggressive in the second round, landing crunch shots that earned Paul a rueful grin and unleashing quick combinations while the YouTuber sought refuge in the ropes.
But Joshua, who hasn’t fought since a KO loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, struggled to land power punches and had to endure a cheeky uppercut from Paul in the third round.
In the fourth, Paul’s loop hook caught Joshua off guard, causing more momentary embarrassment than pain, but it was Paul who winced after receiving a low blow.
Paul’s resistance broke in the fifth round, and he fell to the canvas under a flurry of punches from Joshua, and the referee called for a count.
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Joshua calls for a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury, who defeated Paul. Jake vs Joshua is now available worldwide exclusively on Netflix
The bell rang as Joshua moved menacingly, a right hand dropping the pole even harder, and Joshua threw a vicious punch.
However, in the next round, Paul was brutally stopped by Joshua, collapsing to the canvas after another exchange of blows, and when Paul stood up, Joshua delivered a right hand that ended the fight.
AJ: Jake Paul faced a real fighter.
Later in the ring, Joshua told Netflix: “It wasn’t my best performance.
“The ultimate goal was to grab Jake Paul, hold him down and injure him. That was the request and that was in my mind. It took a little longer than expected, but the right hand found its destination.
“Jake Paul did a really good job tonight. I want to give him props. He stood up again and again. It was difficult for him there, but he was trying to find a breakthrough.
“I have to give credit to Jake for trying so hard and trying so hard, but tonight he faced a real fighter after a 15-month hiatus.”
Paul: I broke my jaw.
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Paul thought he had broken his jaw in the collision with Joshua. Jake vs Joshua is now available worldwide exclusively on Netflix
Paul later went to hospital, where scans showed his jaw was broken in two places, but he was in a strong mood immediately after the match.
“I felt good, I had fun. I love this sport,” he told Netflix.
“Anthony is a great fighter and I lost, but that’s what this sport is about.
“I have already won everything in life and this sport has helped me a lot.
“I think my jaw is broken, it’s definitely broken, but hey, it was good.
“One day I’m going to come back and win a world championship belt.
“I’m tired to be honest. He was great and hit really hard.”
