Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua marked his return to the ring with a punishing sixth-round knockout of social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Saturday, 20 December 2025.
A Hard-Fought Victory in Miami
Fighting for the first time since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Joshua was forced to work harder than anticipated to overcome a game but ultimately outmatched opponent. The bout, broadcast globally on streaming service Netflix, took place in Miami.
The 36-year-old Briton systematically broke down Paul's defence, scoring three knockdowns before the contest reached its climax. Halfway through the sixth round, Joshua landed a colossal right hand that sent Paul to the canvas for the final time, prompting the referee to wave off the fight.
Mutual Respect After the Bell
In a display of sportsmanship following the stoppage, Joshua lifted his opponent's hand in a gesture of respect. "Jake Paul has done really well tonight. I want to give him his props, he got up, time and time again," Joshua stated in his post-fight interview.
He admitted, however, that "it wasn't the best performance" and that "it took a bit longer than expected. But the right hand finally found the destination."
For his part, the 28-year-old Paul was gracious in defeat. "I'm feeling good, that was fun. I love this sport. I gave it my all," he said. "I got my ass beat, but that's what this sport is about. I'mma come back and keep on winning." Paul attributed part of his downfall to fatigue, conceding, "I just got tired to be honest. He did amazing and hits really hard."
The Tale of the Tape
The fight ended a 14-month hiatus for Joshua, while for Paul it represented the most significant test of a boxing career that began in 2020. A clear physical advantage was evident at Friday's weigh-in.
Joshua tipped the scales at 243.4lbs (17st 5lbs), making him the lightest he has been since his first fight with Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. In contrast, Paul weighed in at 216lbs (15st 6lbs), giving Joshua a significant weight advantage of nearly two stone. For Paul, this was only the second time he has weighed above the cruiserweight limit, the first being his bout against the legendary Mike Tyson.
The victory provides a crucial reset for Joshua's career following his defeat to Dubois, while Paul's brave showing, despite the loss, is likely to cement his status as a major draw in the evolving landscape of crossover boxing.
