Remarkably, we are at fight night.
The matchup nobody saw coming at year's start and who few believed would see the light of day even when it was signed is, in fact, upon us. Social media influencer-turned-boxing-powerbroker Jake Paul, 12-1 (7 KOs) steps WAY up in class to face former two-time unified heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua, 28-4 (25 KOs). Their scheduled 8-round contest will headline a Netflix event Friday evening from Kaseya Center, home to the NBA's Miami Heat.
Watford's Joshua is, understandably, a massive favorite to not only beat Paul but knock him out to the point of ending his career.
However, far more is on the line for the visiting Brit, who is once again connected to a massive all-UK super fight with former lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury later next year. There is also the matter of Joshua having yet to win on U.S. soil. His first pro defeat came in a stunning 7th round knockout to Andy Ruiz, who took their June 2019 clash on barely five weeks' notice.
Friday marks just Joshua's second stateside appearance - though he is expected to have a much easier go of things this time around.
Paul is coming off wins over two faded former champions - Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr this past June 28 in Anaheim, California; and his exhibition win over 58-year-old, Hall of Fame former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson last November in Arlington, Texas. Paul vs. Tyson headlined the first-ever live Netflix boxing show and served as the most watched combat show of the 21st century.
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home. Follow Jake on X and Instagram.
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Jake Paul reveals broken jaw, insists he will fight for - and win - cruiserweight title
Jake Paul revealed that he broke his jaw (complete with blood spitting from his mouth) but is otherwise in good spirits after KO defeat.
"I'm feeling good. I love this sport. It's fucking crazy. I had a blast. I'm blessed by God. I got my ass beat but that's what this sport is about. I'll be back. I've already won in every way of life...
"I think my jaw is broke, by the way. I got a nice little ass whipping. I think if I had better cardio, I could've kept on fighting.
"For sure, we're going to heal the broken jaw, go back to my weight and then win the cruiserweight world title."
AJ calls out Tyson Fury after Jake Paul KO win
Anthony Joshua post-fight reaction:
"It wasn't my best performance.Jake Paul did well tonight. I've got to give him his props. It takes a real man to do that.
"He came up against a real fighter, 15 months out of the ring."
"If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is, and wants to put down his Twitter fingers, put on the gloves and steps in the ring."
"I see Eddie saying, "Get him now, get him now." But I had to give this guy a systematic breakdown.
"I refuse to get hurt, I refuse to acknowledge getting hurt. This is boxing, I'm going to get hit and I'm going to bounce back.
"I don't care about legacy. I just do what I enjoy to do. Some of my friends hustled. Some went down the college route. I went to the school of boxing."
Official result - Anthony Joshua KO6 (1:31) Jake Paul
Referee Christopher Young counts out Jake Paul at 1:31 of round 6.
Have to imagine a lot of Jake Paul supporters/believers cashed in some props.
Jake Paul down - and done
Jake Paul dropped again early in round six. Beats the count... takes a right uppercut and then wags his tongue at Anthony Joshua.
Ever the professional, Joshua stalks his prey and pins Paul in a corner. Flurry of shots has Paul hurt, right hand upstairs ends the fight. Paul down and counted out.
Anthony Joshua is your winner via 6th round knockout.
DOWN GOES PAUL (2x) - Round 5
Jake Paul took the first big right hand from Joshua early in the round and had a response of his own. Comes back later in the round with an overhand right.
Joshua pins Paul against the ropes and lands to the body. A left hook stuns Paul, who stutter steps and limps off his back leg. Joshua goes on the attack and forces Paul to the canvas twice on the round.
Paul somehow makes it to the bell but looks to be in bad shape.
Jake vs. AJ - Round 4
Jake Paul comes out firing!! Not really, but he did land a 1-2 early and another right hand later on. Joshua unbothered but also without a real response. Paul warned for "ground and pound" tactics. Joshua connects with a right uppercut. Paul takes the shot well but backing up.
Paul goes down from what he sells as a low blow. Replays show that it may have been an incidental Joshua knee below the belt. Paul flops to the canvas again moments later, this time drawing the ire of the referee who warns both Paul and Joshua to "keep it clean... the fans didn't pay for this crap."
Jake vs. AJ - Round 3
More of the same in Round 3. Crowd growing restless over the lack of action. Jake Paul threw just 5 punches on the round (landed 3). AJ busier but frustrated with the constant clinching and unable to get leverage on any of his shots.
Jake vs. AJ - Round 2
Anthony Joshua still struggling to land, while Jake Paul gives zero fucks in the ring. Paul continues to move, though now at the expense of his offense as he held more than he he threw punches (1-of-6, to 4-of-26 for Joshua). Joshua remained disciplined but clearly putting pressure on himself to knock out Paul.
Jake vs. AJ - Round 1
Jake Paul with constant lateral movement, Anthony Joshua commanding the center of the ring. A case to be made that Jake actually won the opening round - very few punches landed by either fighter, and Joshua only connected with one meaningful right hand (not at full impact).
Whatever else happens, Jake can look at the cards and see that he held a 10-9 lead through one.
HERE... WE... GO
The bell has sounded. Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua, officially underway.
Paul already making proper use of the 22' x 22' ring.
