Anthony Joshua Stops Jake Paul With Sixth-Round Knockout in Miami

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua delivered a decisive performance against Jake Paul, stopping the YouTuber-turned-boxer via knockout in the sixth round on December 19, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

(Getty Images)

The bout, streamed live worldwide on Netflix, was contested under professional heavyweight rules and generated massive attention as Paul faced the most accomplished opponent of his boxing career. Joshua controlled the fight from the opening rounds, relying on patience, pressure, and experience to gradually break down his opponent.

Early in the contest, Paul focused on movement and distance, circling the ring and avoiding extended exchanges. While the strategy helped him survive the opening rounds, it limited his offensive output and allowed Joshua to steadily apply pressure. The crowd grew restless as Paul continued to avoid sustained engagement, but Joshua remained composed and methodical.

As the fight progressed, Paul’s conditioning became a factor. In the fifth round, Joshua began to land more consistently, scoring multiple knockdowns with clean shots to the body and head. Paul managed to rise and continue, but the momentum had clearly shifted. The end came in the sixth round when Joshua connected with a powerful right hand that sent Paul to the canvas. Although Paul briefly made it back to his feet, Joshua followed up with another short right that dropped him again, prompting the referee to stop the fight at 1:31 of Round 6.

The victory marked a strong return to form for Joshua following his recent setbacks, reinforcing his position as an elite heavyweight with championship-level power and control. For Paul, the loss represented his second professional defeat and a clear demonstration of the gap between rising crossover fighters and established world-class heavyweights.

While Paul lasted longer than some of Joshua’s recent opponents, the outcome underscored the challenge of competing at the highest level of professional boxing. The event delivered a definitive conclusion to one of the most talked-about fights of 2025 and highlighted the experience and finishing ability that continue to define Joshua’s career.