Anthony Joshua claimed a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in a much-hyped crossover bout that had drawn widespread attention and scrutiny, largely due to the unconventional nature of the matchup and the reported £200m billing. Despite the high financial stakes and extensive media coverage, the contest was heavily criticised by boxing purists for its limited technical quality and lack of sustained engagement between the fighters.
From the outset, Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight champion, appeared to struggle in establishing control against the elusive and highly mobile Paul. The American YouTuber-turned-boxer spent much of the early rounds circling the ring, avoiding exchanges, and demonstrating defensive awareness, which frustrated Joshua and led to audible boos from the crowd. Spectators expressed their disappointment at the slow pace and minimal punch output, noting that the expected display of dominance from Joshua was not immediately apparent.
Joshua Finds Rhythm in Mid-Fight
The first four rounds were characterised by cautious exchanges and limited engagement. Joshua landed few clean shots, allowing Paul to dictate distance and maintain a degree of control. The early rounds highlighted Joshua’s need to adapt his strategy, as the difference in size and experience alone did not translate into early dominance. Observers noted that Joshua appeared measured, possibly conserving energy for later rounds, while Paul’s movement and defensive skills kept him relatively safe despite the power discrepancy.
The momentum of the fight shifted dramatically in the fifth round. Joshua began increasing his work rate, focusing on body shots and heavier right-hand combinations. The increased pressure began to visibly affect Paul, who showed signs of fatigue and vulnerability. Multiple knockdowns occurred in the fifth and sixth rounds as Joshua’s power and tactical adjustments started to overwhelm the less experienced opponent. The intensity ramped up significantly, with Joshua asserting clear control over the fight.
Decisive Sixth-Round Finish
The climax of the bout came one minute and 36 seconds into the sixth round, when Joshua landed a brutal overhand right that sent Paul to the canvas for the final time. The referee promptly waved off the contest, securing a knockout victory for Joshua. While the stoppage removed any doubt regarding the outcome, critics pointed out that the overall spectacle did not fully meet expectations, with the early rounds lacking the sustained action typical of high-level heavyweight contests.
In his post-fight comments, Joshua acknowledged that his performance was below his personal standards, noting that his primary objective was always to secure a knockout. He emphasised that the strategy had been focused on ending the fight decisively rather than engaging in prolonged exchanges. Additionally, Joshua used the opportunity to call out fellow former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, signalling his desire to pursue a high-profile matchup in 2026 and reigniting discussions about a potential blockbuster fight in the division.
Broader Context and Implications
The fight further demonstrated Joshua’s enduring drawing power, confirming his ability to attract global attention and generate significant revenue despite questions surrounding his current competitive level following last year’s defeat to Daniel Dubois. However, the slow start and extended struggle against a relatively inexperienced opponent raised concerns about Joshua’s readiness for elite-level competition and highlighted the need for continued refinement before returning to top-tier opposition.
For Jake Paul, the bout represented a reality check regarding the limitations of his boxing experiment. While he had previously achieved success against other crossover opponents, the experience revealed the significant gap in skill and resilience when confronted with genuine heavyweight power. The contest underscored the challenges faced by non-traditional fighters seeking to compete at the highest level and provided clear insight into the ceiling of Paul’s boxing career when matched against an experienced former world champion.
Overall, the fight will be remembered both for Joshua’s ultimate knockout victory and for the ongoing debate regarding crossover bouts, entertainment value versus technical skill, and the potential future paths for both fighters in the heavyweight landscape. Observers continue to speculate about Joshua’s next moves, particularly a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, while Paul’s team will likely assess strategies for further professional growth and development within the sport.