Boxing’s biggest shockwave, automatic bans hit Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua after Netflix showdown
A blockbuster fight with an inevitable aftermath
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua faced each other Friday night at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, in a heavyweight bout that drew worldwide attention. According to SPORTbible, the contest was sanctioned under Florida regulations, which require post fight medical suspensions for all professional boxers, regardless of the result.
Paul entered the eight round contest with a 12 and 1 professional record and seven knockouts, while Joshua, a former heavyweight world champion, took on the YouTube star in one of boxing’s most talked about crossover events.
Because the fight took place in Florida, both fighters were automatically subject to the rules enforced by the Florida Athletic Commission, following guidelines from the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.
Confidence ran high before the opening bell
In the build up to the fight, Paul was openly dismissive of Joshua’s power. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, he said, “I don't think he can knock me out because he's not going to be able to line up his shots properly to land the hard punch.”
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Paul also predicted the fight would turn in his favor as it went on. “I think it's going to be a very tough fight for multiple rounds, but then, when I figure out his pacing, his style, his speed, his footwork, he's going to get a little bit tired trying to chase me around, and then I'm going to set up the shot,” he added.
Paul publicly suggested the bout would end in the fifth or sixth round, but the reality inside the ring proved very different.
How the fight was decided
The contest did reach the sixth round, but it was Joshua who imposed himself. After scoring multiple knockdowns, he stopped Paul via technical knockout.
The finish quickly spread across social media. According to Combat Buzz, one post read, “AFTER KNOCKING HIM DOWN FOUR TIMES, ANTHONY JOSHUA PUT AWAY JAKE PAUL IN THE 6TH!”
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While the result settled the sporting debate, it had no bearing on the regulatory response that followed.
Why both fighters were suspended anyway
According to the Florida Athletic Commission, all fighters must undergo a medical assessment after a bout and observe a mandatory seven day rest period beginning the day after the fight. In cases involving a technical knockout, a minimum 30 day suspension from boxing activity is standard.
Previous examples highlight how consistently these rules are applied. SPORTbible previously reported that when Mike Perry was knocked out by Paul in Florida in 2024, he received a 60 day medical suspension. Later that year, after Paul defeated Mike Tyson on points in Texas, state regulators imposed 24 day suspensions on both fighters.
Officials say these measures are designed solely to protect fighter health and ensure adequate recovery time, not to penalize athletes for the outcome of a bout.
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Sources: SPORTbible, Combat Buzz, Florida Athletic Commission
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