Anthony Joshua Knocks Out Jake Paul in Controversial Netflix Bout in Miami

Anthony Joshua Knocks Out Jake Paul in Controversial Netflix Bout in Miami

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul by knockout in a controversial, high-profile bout streamed on Netflix in Miami on Friday night.

The fight, held at the Kaseya Center, attracted global attention amid concerns over the significant gap in size, experience and pedigree between the two fighters.

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Reports indicate that both men shared a staggering purse estimated at $184 million, making it one of the most lucrative crossover boxing events in recent history.

Despite expectations of a swift ending, Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world champion and 2012 Olympic gold medallist, took time to impose himself on the contest. Paul, known more for novelty bouts than elite competition, adopted survival tactics, frequently clinching and dropping to the canvas, turning parts of the eight-round fight into a disjointed spectacle.

The bout descended into near farce at times, prompting visible frustration from referee Christopher Young, who warned both fighters during the fourth round: “The fans did not pay to see this crap.”
As the fight progressed, Joshua’s superior size, strength and power became increasingly evident. Standing at 6ft 6in, the Briton began landing more consistently as Paul fatigued. Joshua floored the American twice in the fifth round before delivering the decisive blow in the sixth.

Backing Paul into a corner, Joshua set up the finish with a heavy left hand before landing a crushing right to the chin that sent the 28-year-old crashing to the canvas, ending the contest by knockout.

Speaking after the fight, Joshua admitted it was not his most polished performance.

“It wasn’t the best performance,” the 36-year-old said. “But the end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him. It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found its destination.”

Joshua also praised Paul’s resilience.
“I want to give him his props — he got up time and time again. It was difficult in there for him, but he kept trying. It takes a real man to do that.”

Paul, whose face was bloodied after the stoppage, claimed he may have suffered a broken jaw but expressed satisfaction with his effort.

“That was fun. I gave it my all,” he said. “Anthony’s one of the best to ever do it. I’m going to come back and get a world championship.”

Statistically, Joshua dominated the contest, landing 48 of 146 punches compared to Paul’s 16 successful strikes. The fight marked Joshua’s first appearance in the ring in 15 months, following a period of inactivity.
With the bout behind him, Joshua now appears focused on a potential blockbuster showdown against fellow former world champion Tyson Fury in 2026.

“We shook off the cobwebs and I can’t wait to roll into 2026,” Joshua said. “If Tyson Fury is serious, let’s put on some gloves and fight.”

While the contest was widely criticised within boxing circles, it once again highlighted the growing commercial power of crossover events — even as debates continue over their sporting merit and safety.

Anthony Joshua Knocks Out Jake Paul in Controversial Netflix Bout in Miami