Anthony Joshua Stops Jake Paul With Sixth-Round Knockout in Miami Bout

Anthony Joshua marked his return to professional boxing with a convincing sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their much-hyped clash streamed live on Netflix.

The former heavyweight champion entered the bout as a heavy favourite, with many observers insisting anything short of a knockout would rank among the biggest upsets in boxing history.

While Paul arrived with a respectable professional record of 12 wins from 13 fights, including seven knockouts, his résumé largely featured ageing opponents and MMA converts, with his only bout against an established professional boxer ending in defeat.

Joshua’s superior class and experience were always expected to tell at the Kaseya Center in Miami. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, had dismissed Paul’s chances in the build-up, describing him as “deluded” and stressing that the fight was aimed at boosting Joshua’s profile in the United States while delivering a major payday.

Although the expectation was for an early stoppage, Paul proved more durable than anticipated. Joshua was occasionally frustrated by his opponent’s movement and resilience but remained composed, patiently breaking him down as the rounds progressed.

The end came in the sixth round when Joshua finally found his opening, sending Paul to the canvas and forcing the stoppage. The emphatic finish backed up Joshua’s pre-fight insistence that there was “zero chance” the bout would go the distance.

Paul, who had spoken confidently about pulling off a shock win and even challenging for a world title, was ultimately outclassed as the contest wore on.

There had been questions over Joshua’s sharpness heading into the fight, given it was his first appearance in over a year following his loss to Daniel Dubois. Those doubts were largely put to rest as the Watford-born boxer displayed composure, power and control throughout.

The victory underlined the clear gulf in experience between both fighters and signalled Joshua’s readiness to push forward as he sets his sights on