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Anthony Joshua Defeats Jake Paul by Sixth-Round Knockout

The former heavyweight champion overwhelmed Jake Paul with power and experience, earning a sixth-round KO in their highly anticipated Netflix main event in Miami.

By Michael Ehrlich

Dec. 22, 2025

Anthony Joshua defeated Jake Paul by sixth-round knockout on Friday night in Miami, stopping the social-media-star-turned-boxer in a professional heavyweight bout that streamed live globally on Netflix.

The former two-time heavyweight champion used his size, experience, and power to control the fight from the opening bell under the bright lights of Miami’s Kaseya Center, ultimately flooring Paul multiple times before the referee waved it off in Round 6.

Jake Paul is knocked down against Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight bout.

Ed Mulholland/Getty Images/Netflix

“It wasn’t the best performance,” Joshua said at the end of the bout. “The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down, and hurt him. That was the request leading up, and that’s what was on my mind. It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand found its destination.”

Paul — typically a cruiserweight — held his own for the most part against the taller and heavier Joshua, but diagnosed himself with a broken jaw after the fight.

Joshua improves to 29-4 (25 KOs), returning to his winning ways after falling by knockout at the hands of British rival Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in Sept. 2024, while Paul falls to 12-2 (7 KOs).

Jake Paul on the ropes as Anthony Joshua stands in front of him.

Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/Netflix

Just a month ago, the former Olympic gold medalist for Britain stepped in to face Paul after his matchup against Gervonta "Tank" Davis was canceled. Paul is now the latest Joshua foe to fall, following a long list of top contenders and champions such as Kubrat Pulev, Andy Ruiz Jr., Alexander Povetkin and Wladimir Klitschko, among others.

Paul — boxing’s biggest disruptor who joined the professional ranks just five years ago — previously defeated Julio César Chávez Jr., Mike Tyson, Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley.

Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Jake Paul after their heavyweight bout.

Ed Mulholland/Getty Images/Netflix

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How the rest of the card played out:

The Jake vs. Joshua card delivered multiple standout performances across divisions, highlighted by Alycia Baumgardner successfully defending her unified super featherweight titles with a dominant unanimous decision win over Leila Beaudoin. Anderson Silva scored a statement second-round TKO against Tyron Woodley in their cruiserweight bout, while U.S. Olympian Jahmal Harvey continued his perfect start as a pro, outboxing undefeated prospect Kevin Cervantes to a clear unanimous decision victory in the opening bout.

On the preliminary card, Cherneka Johnson, Caroline Dubois, Yokasta Valle, Avious Griffin, and Keno Marley all picked up victories. See more information about the Jake vs. Joshua prelims here.

Jake vs. Joshua continues Netflix’s momentum in the boxing ring, following Canelo vs. Crawford and Taylor vs. Serrano 3 this year and the record-setting Paul vs. Tyson 2024 event. With more major events to stream on Netflix in 2026, click here to watch boxing and MMA movies in the meantime.

You can stream the full Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight — along with the entire card — on Netflix now, included with all plans.

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