Anthony Joshua Knocks Out Jake Paul in Brutal Sixth Round

By Harshit - Dec 20, 2025 08:15 PM
Last updated on Dec 20, 2025 08:15 PM

The highly anticipated crossover boxing spectacle delivered a decisive reminder that experience, power, and elite pedigree still rule the sport. In Miami, Anthony Joshua faced Jake Paul in a sanctioned heavyweight bout that many questioned from the outset, yet it unfolded into a dramatic contest that showcased the stark difference between a former world champion and a celebrity-turned-boxer.

While Jake Paul entered the ring with confidence and a carefully planned survival strategy, the bout ultimately revealed the physical and technical gap separating the two fighters. The crowd, divided between curiosity and skepticism, witnessed a slow-burning contest that ended with a thunderous statement from Joshua.

As the dust settled inside the Kaseya Center, the fight became more than just a viral moment. It reignited conversations about boxing credibility, crossover matchups, and what lies ahead for both fighters following a sixth-round knockout that echoed throughout the boxing world.

Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul: Levels in the Ring

The clash made one truth abundantly clear: there are levels in professional boxing, and Anthony Joshua operates at the highest tier. From the opening bell, Joshua’s calm, calculated approach contrasted sharply with Paul’s cautious movement and defensive mindset.

Paul spent the early rounds circling away, absorbing jeers from the crowd while avoiding prolonged exchanges. His reluctance to engage allowed him to survive the opening rounds, but it also handed Joshua the time he needed to study, stalk, and wear down his opponent.

Joshua’s patience proved decisive. Rather than forcing exchanges, he waited for fatigue to set in, confident that his power and experience would eventually break through.

Fight Breakdown and Knockdowns

The bout turned dramatically in the fifth round when Joshua finally cornered a tiring Paul. A crushing body shot sent Paul to the canvas for the first knockdown, followed shortly by a sharp one-two combination that floored him again.

By the sixth round, the momentum was irreversible. Joshua surged forward and dropped Paul with a thunderous right hand. Though Paul managed to rise, the reprieve was brief, as a short, precise right hand ended the contest decisively.

The referee waved off the fight at the 1:31 mark of the sixth round, sealing Joshua’s knockout victory after four knockdowns across two brutal rounds.

Statistics Highlight Dominance

The punch statistics reflected Joshua’s growing control as the fight progressed. He landed 48 of 146 punches overall, with a staggering 31 of those landing in rounds five and six alone.

Paul, by contrast, connected with just 16 of 56 punches throughout the bout and failed to land a single punch in the sixth round. His early movement masked the disparity only briefly.

The numbers reinforced what was visible inside the ring: once Joshua found his rhythm, the outcome was inevitable.

Joshua’s Return After Layoff

The fight marked Joshua’s first victory in over a year following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. After a 15-month layoff, many questioned his motivation for accepting a bout against Paul.

However, Joshua approached the contest with professionalism, repeatedly stating he would not underestimate his opponent. His focus remained on execution rather than spectacle.

The victory not only restored momentum but also demonstrated that Joshua remains a dangerous force in the heavyweight division.

How the Fight Came Together

The matchup materialized after Paul’s scheduled fight against Gervonta Davis was canceled. Determined to compete before year’s end, Paul quickly pivoted to Joshua, whom he had long expressed interest in fighting.

Despite skepticism, the bout was sanctioned as a heavyweight contest, giving Paul the opportunity he sought and Joshua a high-profile return.

The speed at which the fight was finalized added intrigue, but it also underscored Paul’s willingness to test himself against elite competition.

Contrasting Ring Walks and Atmosphere

The spectacle extended beyond the ropes. Joshua entered the arena to a live performance of “What We Do,” projecting calm confidence and championship composure.

Paul followed with theatrical flair, wearing Hulk Hogan-inspired attire and flanked by his brother Logan. The contrast in presentation mirrored the difference in their boxing journeys.

Once the bell rang, however, theatrics faded, leaving only skill, endurance, and power to decide the outcome.

Physical Advantages and Experience

While Paul weighed in at 216.6 pounds, Joshua entered at 243.4 pounds, comfortably under the contracted limit. More significant than weight were Joshua’s five-inch height and six-inch reach advantages.

Combined with years of championship-level experience, these physical edges proved overwhelming as the fight progressed.

Paul’s determination allowed him to last longer than some of Joshua’s recent opponents, but survival alone was never going to secure victory.

Paul’s Strategy and Limitations

Paul’s game plan centered on movement, clinching, and avoiding prolonged exchanges. He hoped to land a surprise overhand right while minimizing damage.

However, fatigue gradually eroded his mobility, forcing him into exchanges he could not win. Once cornered, his defensive shell collapsed under sustained pressure.

The strategy delayed the inevitable but could not change the outcome.

Injury and Aftermath

Following the knockout, Paul revealed that the final punch fractured his jaw. Despite the injury, he remained upbeat and reflective rather than demoralized.

Paul emphasized that simply sharing the ring with Joshua represented a personal victory, regardless of the result.

He expressed intent to continue boxing, focusing on opponents closer to his weight and long-term ambitions in the cruiserweight division.

What’s Next for Jake Paul

Paul indicated plans to take a brief break after six intense years in boxing. He stressed the importance of recovery before resuming his pursuit of championship aspirations.

Despite the loss, Paul’s drawing power and willingness to face elite fighters ensure he remains a polarizing figure in the sport.

His future bouts will likely attract significant attention, particularly if he refocuses on competitive divisions.

Joshua Calls Out Tyson Fury

In the aftermath of his victory, Joshua turned his attention to unfinished business. He publicly challenged former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury to an all-British showdown.

Joshua dismissed online posturing, urging Fury to step into the ring if he truly wants to prove himself.

With Fury currently retired, the callout reignited speculation about a long-awaited clash that has eluded fans for years.

A Statement Victory With Bigger Implications

Joshua’s knockout win was more than just a spectacle. It reaffirmed his position as a top-tier heavyweight and restored confidence after recent setbacks.

The bout also served as a reality check for crossover boxing, emphasizing that elite champions remain in a league of their own.

As both fighters chart their next moves, the fight will be remembered as a night when boxing hierarchy was firmly reestablished under the bright lights of Miami.

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