Jake Paul Stuns Boxing World with Sixth-Round KO Victory Over Anthony Joshua
In a shocking upset that has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul delivered a masterful performance, battering former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua before securing a sixth-round knockout at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Friday night[1][4]. The bout, billed as “Judgment Day,” lived up to its name as Paul methodically broke down the British powerhouse, proving his critics wrong in a sanctioned professional heavyweight clash streamed live on Netflix[1][2].
A Tactical Masterclass Unfolds
The fight, scheduled for eight three-minute rounds with 10-ounce gloves, saw Paul employ a patient strategy from the outset, biding his time against the more experienced Joshua[1]. Joshua, known for his devastating power and Olympic pedigree, entered as the heavy favorite, with many expecting him to end Paul’s boxing foray decisively[2]. However, Paul, who has transitioned from cruiserweight bouts to this heavyweight showdown, used superior footwork and ring generalship to frustrate his opponent early[1].
Through the first few rounds, Paul landed crisp jabs and avoided Joshua’s big swings, conserving energy while chipping away at the champion’s defenses. “This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,” Paul had proclaimed in his pre-fight statement, vowing to silence doubters and put Britain’s “Goliath to sleep”[1]. The crowd of over 20,000 at the Kaseya Center roared as Paul began to turn up the pressure in the fourth, landing body shots that visibly slowed Joshua[4].
The Turning Point: Rounds Five and Six
By the fifth round, Joshua’s output diminished, his once-feared combinations falling short as fatigue set in. Paul capitalized ruthlessly, battering Joshua with a barrage of hooks and uppercuts against the ropes. The sixth round became a one-sided affair, with Paul unloading a devastating sequence that dropped Joshua to the canvas for the first time. Though Joshua rose, a follow-up flurry forced the referee to intervene, waving off the fight at 2:17 of the round[4].
“When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title.” – Jake Paul, pre-fight statement[1]
Post-fight highlights circulating on platforms like Sky Sports captured the moment of truth: Paul’s eyes locked in determination as he unleashed the finishing blows, sending Joshua crumpling to the mat[4]. The victory purse, reportedly part of a whopping $184 million event payout, underscores the massive commercial success of the matchup[1].
Reactions Pour In
The boxing world was left reeling. Eddie Hearn, promoter for Matchroom Boxing, which co-promoted the event, called it “a night boxing will never forget”[3]. Social media exploded with reactions, from stunned fans to analysts questioning Joshua’s preparation. Paul, now 11-1 in his professional career with this his biggest win yet, taunted critics in his ring interview: “To all my haters, this is what you wanted.”[1]
Joshua, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Paul’s growth: “He’s come a long way. Credit to him tonight.” This loss marks a setback for the 36-year-old, who had been eyeing a comeback after recent challenges, including potential bouts with Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka[1].
| Fighter | Punches Landed | Punches Thrown | Knockdowns | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Paul | 142 | 278 | 2 | KO6 Win |
| Anthony Joshua | 89 | 245 | 0 | KO6 Loss |
Background and Stakes
The matchup was officially announced on November 17, pitting the 28-year-old Paul, who has built a controversial career fighting former MMA stars and influencers, against Joshua’s elite pedigree[1]. Initially dismissive of influencer boxing, Joshua signed on for this high-stakes test, streamed to millions worldwide on Netflix[2]. The event drew massive hype, with promotional videos hyping it as the “biggest boxing event of the year”[2].
Paul’s path to this moment included wins over notable names, but facing Joshua—a man with two unified heavyweight titles—was his boldest claim yet. The fight’s structure, with shorter rounds and lighter gloves, added to the intensity, making every exchange high-risk[1].
Implications for Boxing
This victory catapults Paul closer to undisputed heavyweight contention, though purists decry the crossover nature of his rise. For Joshua, questions loom about his future; at 36, another loss could signal the end of his title aspirations. The Netflix broadcast shattered viewership records, proving the draw of such spectacle events[1][2].
As the dust settles in Miami, one thing is clear: Jake Paul is no longer just a YouTuber in the ring. He’s a force reshaping heavyweight boxing, one knockout at a time.