Anthony Joshua Knocks Out Jake Paul in Sixth Round of Heavyweight Clash

In a dramatic heavyweight showdown on December 19, 2024, Anthony Joshua delivered a powerful performance, knocking out Jake Paul in the sixth round at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The two-time heavyweight champion showcased his elite boxing skills, dropping Paul multiple times before securing a decisive victory in front of a crowd of 19,600.

Joshua’s Dominance and Paul’s Resilience

Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) began the fight methodically, establishing control from the outset. Although both fighters refrained from aggressive exchanges early on, Joshua’s experience became evident as he blocked Paul’s (12-2) attempts and landed effective strikes.

In the fifth round, Joshua dropped Paul twice, pushing the YouTuber and influencer to the edge. Sensing an opportunity to finish the fight, Joshua landed a stunning right uppercut early in the sixth round, following up with a combination that sent Paul to the canvas once again. Despite getting back on his feet, Paul was ultimately unable to withstand Joshua’s onslaught, falling for a fourth time after another right hand from his opponent. Referee Christopher Young counted Paul out at 1:31 of the round.

“It took a little bit longer than expected but the right hand finally found its destination,” Joshua said after the fight. “Jake Paul’s done really well tonight. I’m going to give him his props. He got up time and time again. I give Jake the respect for trying and trying. He came up against a real fighter tonight.”

Aftermath and Future Prospects

Following the bout, Paul revealed he sustained a broken jaw in two places. Despite the setback, he expressed his determination to return to the ring, stating, “I gave it my all. Anthony is a great fighter and I got my (rear end) kicked but that’s what this sport is all about. But I’m going to come back and keep winning.”

With this victory, Joshua positions himself to pursue a potential rematch for the heavyweight title he lost to Oleksandr Usyk. Additionally, he has expressed interest in a long-anticipated match against fellow countryman and former champion Tyson Fury, although Fury is currently retired after consecutive losses to Usyk earlier in 2024.

This fight marked Joshua’s first return to the ring since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Both fighters weighed in for the match, with Paul at 216 pounds and Joshua at 243 pounds. The event attracted notable celebrities, including golf champion Rory McIlroy and retired NFL stars Michael Irvin and Brandon Marshall.

In an undercard fight, retired UFC champion Anderson Silva scored a second-round TKO victory over Tyron Woodley, adding further excitement to the evening.