Anthony Joshua Stops Jake Paul with Sixth-Round Knockout in Miami
Anthony Joshua returned to winning ways with a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami, ending a closely watched but untidy heavyweight contest against the YouTube star.
The former two-time world champion was fighting for the first time since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Joshua started cautiously before slowly taking control as his size, power and experience came to the fore.
Paul began brightly in the opening round, moving well around the ring and landing a left hand that briefly unsettled Joshua. The American came through the round without serious damage, although Joshua connected with a strong right hand just before the bell.
Joshua stepped up the pace in the second round, using his jab to back Paul towards the ropes. He landed several solid punches, but Paul showed resilience and used his movement to stay in the contest.
The third round was Paul’s best moment in the fight. He landed a clean uppercut and gained confidence as Joshua struggled to land a decisive shot. Commentating on the bout, former world champion David Haye said it was a fight Joshua would not want to allow to go on for too long.
The fight turned clearly in Joshua’s favour in the fourth round. He began to sit down on his punches and use his strength, forcing Paul into scrappy exchanges. Paul slipped to the canvas more than once and needed a short break after a low blow, which drew loud boos from the crowd.
Joshua’s dominance became clear in the fifth round. A heavy right hand dropped Paul for the first time. Although Paul got back to his feet, he was shaken and soon went down again, but managed to survive until the end of the round.
The finish came early in the sixth round. Joshua landed another powerful right hand that sent Paul to the canvas. Paul tried to continue, but a quick follow-up forced the referee to step in and stop the fight.
After the contest, Joshua showed sportsmanship by raising Paul’s hand and downplaying the importance of the win.
“I’m not thinking about legacy,” Joshua said. “I stayed patient and did what I needed to do. My focus was on staying safe.”
He also praised Paul’s determination, adding: “He kept getting back up. That deserves respect.”
Paul, who had spoken confidently before the fight, earned praise for his toughness and courage, lasting into the sixth round against an experienced heavyweight.
