Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua returned to the ring in style, securing a knockout win over social media star turned boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round of their blockbuster clash, streamed live on Netflix from Miami's Kaseya Center.
Joshua entered as the heavy favorite, and few expected anything but a decisive victory—any other outcome would have been one of boxing's all-time upsets.
Paul boasted a 12-1 professional record heading in, with seven knockouts, but his wins largely came against retired legends, MMA crossovers, or older fighters. His only fight against a prime professional boxer had resulted in a loss.
Joshua's superior skill and pedigree were predicted to shine through in Miami.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, had labeled Paul "petrified" and "deluded" during the promotion, viewing the matchup as a way to elevate Joshua's U.S. market presence and secure a massive payday.
Hearn's straightforward strategy: end it quickly via knockout and advance to bigger fights. Though the finish arrived later than anticipated, it delivered.
Paul's evasive footwork and resilience tested Joshua's patience early on, but the Brit stayed composed, systematically wearing down his opponent before unleashing the decisive blows in round six.
Joshua had vowed pre-fight that the bout had "zero chance" of going the distance. While not the instant demolition some forecasted, the commanding stoppage left no doubt and avoided any potential controversy.
Paul, who boldly predicted an upset and even world-title aspirations, was ultimately overwhelmed as the rounds progressed.
Questions lingered about Joshua's form after a 15-month layoff and his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. He dispelled them with poise, precision, and power, fulfilling his promise of "no mercy" in the spotlight.
In a tense buildup, Joshua eventually capitalized, flooring Paul multiple times and forcing the referee's intervention. It was a thorough, albeit occasionally labored, display that highlighted the vast experience gap and positioned Joshua firmly back in contention for top-tier heavyweight bouts.
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