In a bizarre and brutal spectacle that captivated the sporting world, Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul after six chaotic rounds, leaving the American with a suspected double broken jaw. The heavily-hyped heavyweight clash, streamed globally on Netflix from Miami on Saturday 20 December 2025, lived up to its promise of drama but drew criticism for its messy nature.
A Strange Fight Unfolds
The early rounds saw an unexpected tactical battle. Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, boxed intelligently on the back foot, making the former world champion swing wildly and miss. The spectacle prompted former NFL star Shannon Sharpe to question the event's legitimacy, stating it looked "more like WWE than a boxing match."
However, the momentum shifted decisively in the fifth round. Joshua found his breakthrough, scoring two knockdowns that severely hurt Paul. Seizing his chance, 'AJ' then punished his tiring opponent on the ropes in the sixth, working the body with jabs before unleashing a fight-ending right hand.
Aftermath and Injuries
Joshua celebrated with a cut-throat gesture, closing one of the most surreal chapters in recent boxing history. He immediately called out British rival Tyson Fury, with promoter Eddie Hearn confirming that securing that mega-fight is the plan for 2026.
Jake Paul, demonstrating significant resilience, drove himself to hospital post-fight. He later posted an X-ray from his bed, claiming a "double broken jaw" and stating he was "spitting out blood" during the bout. Despite the severe injury, Paul vowed to continue his boxing career, announcing his intention to return to the cruiserweight division.
Reaction and Analysis
Opinion on Paul's performance was divided. While some, like former champion Paulie Malignaggi, felt he "wasted the fans' time" by frequently clinching, others praised his heart. Chris Eubank Jr lauded Paul for getting in the ring with an Olympic gold medallist and "trying his best until the very end."
Statistics from Compubox highlighted Joshua's dominance: he outlanded Paul 48-16 in power punches and threw far more total shots (146-56). Boxing legend Laila Ali suggested Joshua needed to improve on "cutting off the ring" but acknowledged he got the job done.
In his post-fight comments, Joshua defended his performance, admitting he "tried my best" and praising Paul's "heart and spirit." He even suggested potential future opponents for Paul, such as Gervonta Davis or Ryan Garcia. As for his own future, the path now seems clear: a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury to define the heavyweight landscape in 2026.
