Joshua knocks out Jake Paul in Miami showdown

Akinwande IdowuDec 20, 2025

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua returned to the ring in style on Saturday morning, knocking out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round of their heavyweight clash in Miami.

The bout drew massive attention ahead of fight night, and while Jake Paul showed grit and stayed competitive longer than many predicted, Joshua’s power and experience ultimately proved too much.

Paul Holds On Early

From the opening bell, Joshua controlled the fight with measured pressure and sharp punches.

Paul absorbed shots and survived the early rounds, showing improved movement and composure against a far more experienced opponent.

Although Joshua dominated, Paul managed to avoid serious damage early and even looked confident at moments.

Fight Swings in Round Five

The contest took a dramatic turn in the fifth round. Joshua landed a sharp uppercut early, forcing Paul into a clinch before he dropped to the canvas, seemingly in search of relief.

Paul later produced his best moment of the fight, catching Joshua with an overhand right as the former champion moved forward.

However, Joshua quickly regained control and dropped Paul twice in the round.

The first knockdown came late in the frame after sustained pressure, with Paul taking a knee.

The referee appeared unwilling to allow further delays as Joshua pressed on.

Paul was floored again after Joshua connected with a right hand near the two-minute mark. Although he survived the round, a late combination left him visibly shaken as the bell rang.

Joshua Ends It in Round Six

Joshua wasted no time in the sixth round. He opened with a right-hand-to-left-hook combination before dropping a clearly fatigued Paul with a right hand to the top of the head.

Joshua then forced Paul onto the ropes and unleashed a heavy barrage, backing him into a corner. A brutal right hand to the chin sent Paul crashing to the canvas, where he failed to beat the referee’s count.

The fight was immediately waved off, handing Joshua a knockout victory.

Joshua Reflects on Performance

Despite the emphatic finish, Joshua said he was not fully satisfied with his display.

“It wasn’t the best performance — it wasn’t the best,” Joshua admitted.

He explained his mindset going into the bout, saying, “The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him. That has been the request leading up [to the fight], and that’s what was on my mind. It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found the destination.

“I said I’m going to take his soul, and I said I’m going to see it leaving his body round after round. When the time comes, some people are just there to get knocked out,” he added.

Joshua Calls Out Tyson Fury

In his post-fight interview, Joshua wasted no time reigniting talks of a long-awaited showdown with fellow former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

“If Tyson Fury’s as serious as he thinks he is and he wants to stop talking on Twitter and put on some gloves and fight one of the realest fighters out there — step in the ring with me next.

“Don’t do all that talking. Let’s see you talk with your fists,” he said.

Paul Reacts After Defeat

Despite suffering a stoppage loss, Jake Paul remained upbeat and confirmed he plans to continue his boxing career. He also revealed he sustained an injury during the fight.

“I think my jaw is broken. That was a nice little ass-whopping from one of the best to ever do it. I love this, and I’m going to come back and get a world championship belt at some point.

“I’m going to take a little break. I’ve been going hard for six years, so I’m going to take some time off,” he said.

What the Win Means

The victory marked Joshua’s return after a 15-month layoff and his first fight since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in an IBF heavyweight title bout in September 2024.

For Paul, the loss is only the second of his professional career. The American, ranked No. 14 at cruiserweight by the WBA, previously defeated a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November 2024 and outpointed Julio Cesar Chávez Jr. in June.

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