Anthony Joshua produced a statement performance in Miami by stopping Jake Paul in the sixth round of their much-publicised heavyweight contest, underlining the clear divide between an established elite boxer and a crossover star. The bout, staged in front of a packed arena and a global audience, ended decisively once Joshua’s power and experience began to take full effect.
A Patient Opening
The early stages were marked by patience from Joshua and movement from Paul. Joshua took his time, maintaining distance and measuring his opponent, while Paul attempted to stay mobile and avoid prolonged exchanges. For several rounds, the fight remained relatively controlled, with Joshua gradually increasing pressure rather than forcing reckless attacks.
As the contest progressed, Joshua’s timing and ring intelligence became more apparent. His jab started to land more consistently, disrupting Paul’s rhythm and limiting his ability to reset. By the fifth round, the momentum had shifted clearly in Joshua’s favour, as he began to connect with heavier shots that visibly affected Paul.
The Breakthrough
The breakthrough came when Joshua dropped Paul twice in the fifth round, exposing defensive gaps and fatigue. Although Paul managed to rise and continue, the damage was evident. His movement slowed, and his reactions became increasingly delayed under sustained pressure.
In the sixth round, Joshua closed the show. A clean, powerful right hand sent Paul to the canvas once more, prompting the referee to halt the contest and award Joshua the knockout victory. The finish was clinical and emphatic, leaving little doubt about the outcome.
Lessons from the Ring
After the fight, Joshua spoke about discipline and preparation, emphasising the importance of fundamentals at the highest level of the sport. The victory marked a significant confidence boost as he continues to rebuild momentum in the heavyweight division and pursue major future bouts.
For Paul, the defeat represented the harshest lesson of his boxing career to date. While he has drawn attention and new audiences to the sport, the loss highlighted the challenges of stepping into the ring with a former world champion. His future direction in boxing is now likely to be reassessed following the first knockout loss of his professional career.
The fight served as a reminder that, despite entertainment value and promotion, elite boxing remains defined by experience, power and technical excellence. On the night in Miami, Anthony Joshua delivered all three.
