Anthony Joshua Delivers Crushing 6th-Round KO Over Jake Paul in Netflix-Streamed Thriller at Miami’s Kaseya Center
MIAMI, Florida — In a highly anticipated heavyweight clash billed as “Judgment Day,” former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua dismantled YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul with a dominant sixth-round knockout on Friday night at the Kaseya Center. The fight, streamed live on Netflix to millions worldwide, marked Paul’s first career stoppage loss and second defeat overall, ending in brutal fashion after he was knocked down four times.[1][2]
Joshua, weighing in at a towering advantage—26.8 pounds heavier and five inches taller than Paul—lived up to his pre-fight promise of delivering a harsh lesson. “I’m a serious fighter. You’re going to get fucked up,” Joshua had warned during a tense weigh-in stare-down, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with promoter Eddie Hearn, who once guided Paul’s professional debut.[2] Paul fired back defiantly, claiming, “I smell fear… I’ve got him in a corner right where I want him.” But inside the ring, it was Joshua who cornered and crushed his opponent, stopping the bout at 1:31 of round six over eight scheduled three-minute rounds fought with 10-ounce gloves.[1][2]
A One-Sided Beatdown: Round-by-Round Dominance
The mismatch was evident from the opening bell. Paul, entering with a 12-2 record (7 KOs) and a six-fight win streak since his split decision loss to Tommy Fury in February 2023, struggled against Joshua’s overwhelming power and experience. The British heavyweight, now 29-4 with 26 KOs, had rebounded from setbacks—including losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, and a stoppage by Daniel Dubois in September 2024—with four straight victories leading into this bout.[1]
ESPN’s live coverage detailed a relentless assault: Paul was floored in rounds two, three, four, and six, with Joshua’s precise combinations breaking through the influencer’s defenses. Analysts Andreas Hale and James Regan noted Joshua’s superior footwork and jab control early, transitioning to body shots that sapped Paul’s energy by round four. “Paul showed heart, but the size and skill gap was insurmountable,” Hale reported post-fight.[1]
The knockout punch—a devastating right hand followed by a flurry—left Paul motionless on the canvas, prompting referee intervention. Medical teams rushed in, though post-fight reports clarified no “double broken jaw” as initially rumored; Paul suffered severe facial swelling and required hospital evaluation for a possible fracture.[1]
Background: From Canceled Fights to Netflix Spectacle
The bout originated from a scrapped November 14 exhibition against lightweight star Gervonta “Tank” Davis at a 195-pound catchweight. That event collapsed amid a civil lawsuit against Davis alleging battery, false imprisonment, and other charges. Paul pivoted to Joshua, securing a reported $184 million purse split and Netflix’s global broadcast platform.[2]
Criticism poured in pre-fight over the stark disparities: Joshua’s elite pedigree versus Paul’s celebrity-driven career, which included a recent unanimous decision over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June. Social media buzzed with memes and debates, but Joshua silenced doubters, proving his resurgence at 36 years old.
Undercard Highlights: Baumgardner Retains, Silva Shines
The main card delivered additional fireworks. In the super featherweight co-main, champion Alycia Baumgardner defended her title with a unanimous decision over Leila Beaudoin after 12 rounds (3:00 each).[2] Cruiserweight action saw MMA legend Anderson Silva TKO former UFC rival Tyron Woodley in round two of six (1:33).[2]
| Weight Class | Winner | Loser | Result | Round/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | Anthony Joshua | Jake Paul | KO | 6/1:31 |
| Super Featherweight | Alycia Baumgardner (c) | Leila Beaudoin | UD | 12/3:00 |
| Cruiserweight | Anderson Silva | Tyron Woodley | TKO | 2/1:33 |
Reactions and What’s Next
Post-fight, Joshua called the win a statement: “This ends the circus. Back to real boxing.” Paul, gracious in defeat via social media, posted: “Respect to AJ. First KO, but not the end.” Fans and pundits hailed the event as a Netflix triumph, drawing record viewership despite the lopsided result.[1]
For Joshua, a path back to title contention beckons, potentially against Dubois or Usyk rematches. Paul, now 12-2, faces questions about his boxing future amid his entertainment empire. The fight underscored boxing’s evolving landscape, blending influencers with icons under streaming lights.
As the crowd chanted “AJ!” into the Miami night, one thing was clear: heavyweight drama remains boxing’s fiercest draw.