MIAMI – Jake Paul learned the challenging way that there are levels in boxing, and former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua operates in a different stratosphere.

In an ugly fight that lasted much longer than many expected, Joshua knocked out Paul in the sixth round of Saturday night’s scheduled eight-round main event at the Kaseya Center. Joshua scored four knockdowns – twice in the fifth round and twice in the sixth – finishing the fight in 1:31.

Paul, a social media influencer turned professional boxer, spent the first half of the fight distancing himself from Joshua (29-4, 26 KO) as jeers rained down on the arena. Paul’s reluctance to fight saw him survive early on, but his fitness betrayed him when the powerful Briton caught up with his tiring opponent and ended the fight with a brilliant straight right hand as chants of “knock him out” rang out.

“It wasn’t the best performance,” Joshua said, showing respect to Paul for coming to the fight. “It took a little longer than expected, but the right hand finally found its target.”

Joshua landed 48 of 146 punches (32.9%), including 31 in rounds 5 and 6. Paul landed 16 of 56 punches (28.6%), including none in the sixth round.

After a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, Joshua returned to the game after a 15-month break for a fight that no one saw coming. However, when Paul’s scheduled November fight with Gervonta “Tank” Davis was canceled due to the WBA lightweight champion’s recent legal troubles, Paul was determined to find a modern opponent before the end of the year.

Paul (12-2, 7 KO) always wanted to fight Joshua and the two fighters quickly met in a sanctioned heavyweight boxing match.

Many doubted whether Joshua would take Paul seriously as an opponent, but the 2012 Olympic gold medalist was adamant that he would not underestimate Paul despite his inexperience.

Their differences came to a head in the ring Friday night, with Joshua focused on scoring the knockout while Paul tried to survive.

Joshua entered the ring with Philadelphia rapper Freeway performing “What We Do,” while Paul, wearing a Hulk Hogan-inspired ring outfit, walked out with older brother Logan by his side and controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine performing “Billy.” Once the fight started, the two engaged in a game of cat and mouse.

There was a significant size difference between them: Paul weighed 216.6 pounds, the second heaviest weight of his professional career, and Joshua weighed 243.4 pounds, well within the contracted weight limit of 245 pounds. But it was Joshua’s advantages of 5 inches high and 6 inches reach, not to mention his years of championship experience, that would be too much for Paul to overcome.

Despite this, Paul survived longer than some of Joshua’s previous opponents, which included Francis Ngannou and Otto Wallin. However, surviving his opponent did not mean winning the fight, as Joshua constantly aimed for the knockout. The restless crowd demanded more action and Paul’s strategy was to stay out of trouble and hope to catch Joshua with his right hand.

After numerous clinches and falls to the canvas, an exhausted Paul was forced to fight in round 5. He connected with the ball with his right hand, but the unfazed Joshua scored two knockdowns, the first with a body shot, the second with a 1-2 combination.

In round 6, Joshua sprung into action and slammed the injured Paul to the canvas with a right hand. Paul got up but couldn’t escape as Joshua landed a brief right hand that knocked him down for good.

Paul, who was smiling on the canvas, later revealed that the fight-ending punch broke his jaw. He published on social media He underwent surgery on Saturday.

Double broken jaw. Give me Canelo in 10 days. pic.twitter.com/8R8NK4OeUv

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 20, 2025

Despite the injury, Paul said he did not feel demoralized and would continue his boxing career.

“Man, I’ve won in every way in my life,” Paul said about making the unlikely fight with Joshua.

Paul added: “I’m going to come back and fight people my weight, and at some point I’ll fight for the world cruiserweight championship. I’ll take a little break. I’ve been training challenging for six years, so I’ll take some time off.”

With the knockout victory, Joshua can claim his first victory in over a year. More importantly, it prepares him for a potential All-British clash with former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. The two have been circling each other for years, and a fight was teased but never materialized. Fury is currently retired.

“If Tyson Fury is as stern as he thinks he is and wants to put his Twitter fingers in his gloves, come and fight one of the realest fighters in the world,” Joshua said. “If you’re a really bad boy, get in the ring with me. Don’t talk so long. I’ll see you in the ring and we’ll talk with our fists.”