In a result that fulfilled expectations while defying some predictions of a one-minute blowout, Anthony Joshua secured a decisive sixth-round TKO victory over Jake Paul in Miami. The former two-time unified heavyweight champion systematically broke down the YouTube star, scoring multiple knockdowns before the referee waved off the contest at the Kaseya Center.
The fight, which headlined a historic live Netflix boxing broadcast, marked the end of Paul’s undefeated professional record and validated the warnings from boxing purists about the vast chasm between influencer spectacle and elite-level competition. While Paul survived longer than many anticipated, Joshua’s power and precision proved an insurmountable challenge.
Netflix and chill. pic.twitter.com/khb1yxFjiW
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) December 20, 2025
Fight Breakdown: Joshua’s Methodical Demolition
From the opening bell, the narrative of the fight was defined by a stark size and experience disparity. Joshua, weighing 243.4 pounds, used his formidable jab and reach to control distance, while Paul, at 216.6 pounds, circled cautiously on the outside.
The critical moment came in the fifth round when a sharp Joshua combination sent Paul to the canvas for the first time. Paul showed heart by beating the count, but the dam had broken. In the sixth round, Joshua intensified the pressure, landing a flush right hand that sent Paul stumbling. A final flurry against the ropes prompted the referee’s intervention, sealing a TKO victory for the British star. The official result confirmed the betting odds that had heavily favoured Joshua from the outset.
Mixed Reactions from the Combat Sports World
The fight’s aftermath triggered a wave of reactions across social media, highlighting the divisive nature of Paul’s career. Former opponent Nate Diaz offered a critical, if predictable, take, posting on social media, “Dat boi don’t work hard enough.”
Others showed measured respect. Ryan Garcia acknowledged the legitimacy of the contest, stating Paul’s previous wins and this loss were all “real.” UFC featherweight Josh Emmett provided a humorous critique of Paul’s defensive tactics, joking he’d “never seen so many double-leg shoots in a boxing match,” referring to Paul’s frequent clinching.
Perhaps the most poignant praise came from MMA legend Cris Cyborg. She commended Paul’s courage on social media, writing, “Jake Paul didn’t have to fight Anthony Joshua…but he stepped up for an impossible challenge and dared to be great.”
Paul’s Response and the Road Ahead
Jake Paul addressed the loss and surrounding speculation with his characteristic blend of humour and defiance. In a social media post, he brushed off conspiracy theories, writing, “I was paid to lose? Hahaha.”
Despite the defeat, the financial success of the event was undeniable. According to reports from The Sporting News, the global Netflix audience was massive, and Joshua is expected to bank a purse exceeding £70 million. For Paul, the path forward remains uncertain but lucrative, with potential rematch clauses against former foes like Mike Perry being discussed.
A Defining Night for Crossover Boxing
The event served as a watershed moment for the sport. It proved the colossal drawing power of influencer boxing, attracting a global audience that few pure sporting events could match. Yet, in the ring, it reinforced a traditional hierarchy. As analysts at ESPN Boxing noted, the result was a clear demonstration of elite technical prowess over determined but outmatched ambition.
For Anthony Joshua, the win reaffirms his status at the top of the sport and perfectly sets up a potential megafight with Tyson Fury in 2026. For Jake Paul, the “experiment” faces its toughest test yet, but his willingness to take a real loss may ultimately earn him a new form of respect in a sceptical combat sports landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jake Paul lose to Anthony Joshua?
Anthony Joshua won by technical knockout (TKO) in the sixth round after knocking Jake Paul down multiple times, culminating in a referee stoppage.
Did Jake Paul perform better than expected?
Yes. Most experts, including Conor McGregor, who predicted a first-minute knockout, expected a quicker finish. Paul’s durability in lasting into the sixth round was a surprise.
What was the reaction from other fighters?
Reactions were mixed, ranging from criticism (Nate Diaz) to respect for Paul’s courage (Cris Cyborg) and humour about his tactics (Josh Emmett).
What does this mean for Anthony Joshua’s next fight?
The victory positions Joshua perfectly for a historic, high-stakes heavyweight title unification bout against Tyson Fury, which is being targeted for 2026.
Is Jake Paul’s boxing career over?
Unlikely. The event was a major financial success. Paul will likely return in another high-profile matchup, with talks of a rematch against Mike Perry or other names from the influencer boxing scene.
