Anthony Joshua delivered a statement-making performance against Jake Paul in Miami, stopping the YouTuber-turned-boxer in the sixth round with a devastating right hand that would later leave Paul with a confirmed broken jaw. The clash at the Kaseya Center drew global attention, with fans and pundits alike weighing in on what was billed as a crossover spectacle that mixed sports with entertainment and social media hype.
Despite the pre-fight buzz and an expected high-octane showdown, the early rounds saw a slow start, with both fighters exhibiting caution. Joshua, mindful of his opponent’s unpredictability, focused on controlled movement and selective striking, while Paul attempted to evade exchanges using lateral movement and counterpunching. The resulting lack of sustained action led to audible boos from the crowd, highlighting their frustration at the tentative opening minutes of the contest.
Cautious start draws attention
The first four rounds were characterized by low punch output and measured pacing. Paul seemed content to circle and observe, trying to find openings without committing to aggressive offense, while Joshua’s conservative approach prioritized timing and defense over continuous pressure. Observers noted that this cautious start was at odds with expectations for a high-profile, $200m billed spectacle, leaving fans eager for a decisive turning point.
Netflix and chill. pic.twitter.com/khb1yxFjiW
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) December 20, 2025
Joshua asserts dominance in later rounds
The bout began to swing decisively in Joshua’s favor starting in the fifth round. He ramped up the intensity, targeting Paul with heavier shots to the body and head, showcasing the difference in size, strength, and experience. Paul was visibly affected, taking two knockdowns that foreshadowed the inevitable conclusion. Analysts noted that Joshua’s adjustments and timing improvements were key to turning the tide, allowing him to assert control over a fight that had previously been stalled by cautious tactics.
Sixth-round knockout seals victory
In the sixth round, Joshua delivered a series of clean, powerful combinations that culminated in a brutal right hand to Paul’s jaw, sending him sprawling to the canvas. The referee quickly intervened, stopping the fight as Paul struggled to recover. Post-fight medical assessments confirmed a broken jaw, with reports indicating a recovery period of four to six weeks. Paul, who drove himself to the hospital following the bout, admitted afterward that he had been bested by an elite-level boxer and praised Joshua’s precision and power.
Joshua reflects on performance
Speaking after the bout, Joshua described his performance as functional rather than flashy but emphasized that his main objective — to finish the fight with a knockout — was fully achieved. He acknowledged Paul’s toughness and willingness to continue despite multiple knockdowns, praising his durability even in defeat. Joshua also noted that the fight allowed him to gauge his readiness for future high-stakes matchups, signaling interest in facing other top-tier opponents in 2026, including a potential showdown with Tyson Fury.
The victory marked a significant comeback for Joshua, who had been sidelined for over a year following his loss to Daniel Dubois. For Paul, the bout reaffirmed the challenges inherent in facing an experienced, elite heavyweight, illustrating both the limits of crossover appeal and the gap between celebrity boxing and professional-level competition. Fans and analysts continue to dissect the fight’s technical elements, but one thing remains clear: Joshua’s power and timing proved decisive, delivering a sixth-round knockout that will be replayed for months to come.