Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua delivered a commanding performance to knock out social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round of their highly anticipated showdown in December 2025.
The contest, which attracted massive global attention owing to the contrasting profiles of both fighters, saw Joshua’s experience, strength and ring intelligence prove decisive from the opening rounds.
Paul adopted a cautious strategy, relying on movement and defence to stay competitive early on, but the gulf in class gradually became apparent as the fight progressed.
Joshua began to assert himself midway into the bout, cutting off the ring and pinning Paul against the ropes with well-timed combinations and calculated aggression.
The pressure told in the fifth round when Paul was floored twice by thunderous right hands, swinging the contest firmly in Joshua’s favour and leaving the American visibly shaken.
The decisive moment came in the sixth round as Joshua unleashed a sustained barrage, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight, bringing the contest to an emphatic end before the scheduled eight rounds.
After the bout, Joshua commended Paul’s courage but emphasised that success at the highest level of boxing requires years of discipline, experience and exposure to elite competition.
Paul, on his part, accepted the defeat and reiterated his determination to continue his professional boxing journey despite the setback.
The fight, streamed live to audiences around the world, ranked among the most talked-about boxing events of the year, combining elite sport with crossover entertainment.
Joshua’s victory further strengthens his credentials among heavyweight contenders, while Paul’s loss has renewed debate about his long-term future in the professional ranks.
