Anthony Joshua delivered a decisive statement late last year, stopping social media sensation Jake Paul with a powerful right hand in the sixth round of their highly anticipated boxing match. The victory, streamed globally on Netflix, marked a crucial return to the ring for the British heavyweight, who had been out of action for 15 months. Post-fight, Joshua offered a candid assessment of his opponent’s surprising durability and his own performance.
Joshua’s candid assessment of Paul
Speaking to Fight Hub TV after the bout, Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist, reflected on the challenge Paul presented. Despite ultimately shattering Paul’s jaw with the fight-ending blow, Joshua was somewhat taken aback by Paul’s ability to withstand his power for as long as he did. When asked if he was surprised Paul made it to the sixth round, Joshua simply replied, “Kinda.” This suggests a level of unexpected resilience from Paul, whose professional boxing record largely consists of contests against MMA stars, former NBA player Nate Robinson, and boxers well past their prime. Joshua also offered a measured take on Paul’s punching power, describing it as “It was alright.”
A crucial return to form for Joshua
For Joshua, the win over Paul was more than just another notch in his almost two-decade-long career; it was a vital step in rebuilding momentum. Prior to this fight, Joshua had experienced a challenging period, suffering three losses in his previous seven outings. This included a defeat to Daniel Dubois in 2024 for the IBF heavyweight title, a loss that cost him a potential shot at an undisputed championship against the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury. His last victory before Paul had been against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in March 2024. The lengthy 15-month layoff before facing Paul was partly attributed to a shoulder injury, adding another layer of uncertainty to his return.
Reflecting on his own showing against Paul, Joshua admitted to GIVEMESPORT (UK) that his performance “Could have been better, but we got there in the end.” This self-critical view highlights his high standards, even in a dominant win against a less experienced opponent.
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While the outcome was a clear victory for the vastly more experienced Joshua, who has defeated legends like Wladimir Klitschko and Joseph Parker in world title bouts, Paul’s ability to absorb punishment and extend the fight into the sixth round was notable. Paul, a social media star who transitioned into boxing, has often faced criticism for the caliber of his opponents. However, his performance against a seasoned, elite heavyweight like Joshua, even in a losing effort, demonstrated a level of toughness that perhaps surprised many, including Joshua himself.
The fight served as a significant event for both men: a crucial comeback win for Anthony Joshua, reaffirming his place in the heavyweight landscape, and a stern, if ultimately unsuccessful, test for Jake Paul, showcasing his commitment to the sport despite the brutal knockout.
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