Nigerian-British heavyweight star Anthony Joshua secured a decisive victory on Saturday night in Miami, stopping American boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round of their scheduled eight-round bout.
The contest came to a definitive end when Joshua connected with a powerful right hand, sending Paul to the canvas for the fourth time and prompting the referee to intervene. The win marks Joshua’s 26th professional stoppage.
Paul, the 28-year-old social media influencer turned professional boxer, demonstrated durability by surviving into the middle rounds but struggled to withstand Joshua’s superior power and experience. Joshua took firm control in the fifth round, scoring two knockdowns before finishing the fight in the sixth with a sustained offensive flurry.
In a post-fight interview, Joshua acknowledged a measured performance. “It wasn’t the sharpest night, but we got the job done,” he stated. “The right hand landed when it mattered.” He also credited Paul’s resilience, adding, “Jake showed heart. Getting up takes courage, and he has my respect for that.”
The bout marked Joshua’s return to the ring after a 15-month layoff, a victory he said restores momentum as he eyes future challenges. Following the win, he called for a long-awaited showdown with fellow heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury. “The division needs that fight. Let’s get it made,” Joshua declared.
Paul, who revealed after the bout that he sustained a broken jaw, was noncommittal about his boxing future. The loss is the second of his professional career. “I need time to heal and reflect before deciding what’s next,” he said.
Saturday’s event drew significant attention, blending the established world of elite heavyweight boxing with the evolving profile of crossover boxing entertainment.