Anthony Joshua beats Jake Paul in Miami bout

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their highly controversial Netflix-backed fight yesterday at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

The bout, reportedly worth a combined $184 million purse for both fighters, had sparked widespread concern within boxing circles due to the clear disparity in experience, size and pedigree between Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, and Paul, an internet personality turned prizefighter.

Despite expectations of an early finish, Joshua endured a scrappy and lacklustre contest before his superior power proved decisive. After knocking Paul down twice in the fifth round, the British boxer sealed victory with a sixth-round knockout, flooring the American with a right hand to the chin.

The fight at times descended into farce, with Paul repeatedly falling to the canvas and resorting to clinching tactics. Referee Christopher Young openly voiced his frustration in the fourth round, warning the fighters that fans “did not pay to see this.”

Joshua, 36, admitted afterwards that it was not his best performance but said the objective was clear.
“It wasn’t the best performance, but the goal was to pin him down and hurt him,” Joshua said. “It took longer than expected, but the right hand finally landed.”

The former champion also praised Paul for his resilience.
“He got up time and time again,” Joshua said. “It takes a real man to keep trying under those conditions.”
Paul, whose mouth was bloodied following the stoppage, claimed he may have suffered a broken jaw but expressed satisfaction with his effort.

“I gave it my all,” Paul said. “Anthony is one of the best to ever do it. I just got tired dealing with his weight and power.”

Statistics showed Joshua’s dominance, with the Briton landing 48 of 146 punches compared to Paul’s 16. It was Joshua’s first fight in 15 months.

The contest followed criticism over Paul’s previous Netflix bout against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson and had again raised questions about safety and the growing trend of crossover boxing spectacles.

Joshua now says his focus has shifted to a potential blockbuster fight against fellow former world champion Tyson Fury.

“If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is, let’s put on some gloves and fight,” Joshua said.