Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua delivered a commanding performance on Saturday night, stopping social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round of their scheduled eight-round bout.
Joshua, widely regarded as one of the hardest punchers in the heavyweight division, asserted his dominance from the opening bell, using his superior reach, power and ring intelligence to control proceedings. After probing with the jab in the early rounds, the British boxer steadily increased the tempo, forcing Paul onto the back foot with a series of heavy combinations.
The decisive moment came in the sixth round when Joshua unleashed a thunderous right hand, followed by a sustained flurry that left Paul unable to continue, prompting the referee to halt the contest. The stoppage underlined Joshua’s reputation as a devastating finisher and highlighted the gulf in experience between the two fighters.
Speaking after the bout, Joshua praised Paul’s courage but emphasised the demands of elite-level boxing. “Jake showed heart, but this is the highest level of the sport,” he said. “You have to be prepared for the intensity and the power.”
The victory marks another confidence-boosting outing for Joshua as he continues his rebuilding journey and keeps himself in contention for major heavyweight opportunities. For Paul, the defeat serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges involved in facing established champions, despite his rapid rise and commercial appeal in the sport.
The bout attracted global attention and a sizeable audience, reflecting boxing’s growing crossover appeal, while reaffirming Anthony Joshua’s standing as one of the division’s most formidable heavy hitters.