MIAMI — The gap between internet fame and elite-level boxing was on full display Saturday night.
Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua delivered a decisive reminder that world-class boxing operates on a different level, stopping Jake Paul via knockout in the sixth round of their scheduled eight-round main event at Kaseya Center.
Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) dropped Paul four times before ending the contest at the 1:31 mark of Round 6, finishing the bout with a crushing right hand that left no doubt about the outcome.
Paul, a social media star turned professional boxer, entered the fight hoping movement and caution would carry him through the early rounds. For a time, it worked. Circling the ring and avoiding prolonged exchanges, Paul stayed upright while absorbing boos from a restless Miami crowd eager for action.
But survival was never going to be enough.
Joshua stalked patiently, cutting off the ring and applying constant pressure. As the rounds wore on, Paul’s legs slowed and his conditioning became a factor. The difference in size, experience, and power began to show.
By Round 5, Paul (12-2) was forced to engage. He briefly landed a right hand that drew a reaction from the crowd, but Joshua remained unfazed. Moments later, the former champion answered emphatically, scoring two knockdowns — first with a punishing body shot, then with a sharp one-two combination that sent Paul crashing to the canvas again.
The end came quickly in the sixth.
Joshua caught Paul clean with a straight right hand, flooring him once more. Though Paul beat the count, he was trapped against the ropes moments later. A short right hand sealed the fight, sending Paul down for the final time.
While Paul managed to last longer than some of Joshua’s recent opponents — including Francis Ngannou and Otto Wallin — the outcome was never in serious doubt. Joshua pursued the knockout from the opening bell and ultimately imposed his will.
Saturday’s result reinforced a familiar truth in boxing: skill, experience, and championship pedigree still matter — no matter how big the spotlight or how loud the hype.
