Anthony Joshua stopped boxing novice Jake Paul in the sixth round of a heavily one-sided heavyweight contest in Miami.
The former world champion controlled the fight from the outset as Paul spent long periods on the move, largely avoiding exchanges. Joshua gradually increased the pressure before imposing his power with successive knockdowns in the fifth round.
Paul was floored again early in the sixth after a clean right hand from Joshua at the Kaseya Centre. The American failed to beat the count, though he later rose and left the ring unaided, drawing applause and visible relief from the crowd.
Joshua said the bout lasted longer than he had expected but added that patience proved decisive once his right hand found its mark.
The result had been widely anticipated and renewed debate about safety concerns surrounding contests with significant disparities in experience and size.
The win was the 29th of Joshua’s professional career from 33 fights and sharpened focus on a potential all-British clash with Tyson Fury in 2026.
Paul, 28, was unable to deliver the upset he had promised and struggled under Joshua’s sustained pressure, despite briefly surviving into the middle rounds. The YouTuber-turned-boxer, who previously faced Mike Tyson, found Joshua’s power overwhelming.
The bout was streamed globally by Netflix and attracted a number of high-profile spectators, including golfer Rory McIlroy.
Joshua’s decisive right hand drew comparisons with his knockout of Francis Ngannou in 2024. He is expected to take another tune-up fight next, while Paul said he plans to return to the ring and pursue a cruiserweight title.
