DeeplyticAI

• Anthony Joshua defeated Jake Paul by knockout in the sixth round on December 19, 2025, at Kaseya Center in Miami.
• The bout, an eight-round heavyweight contest streamed on Netflix, ended with Joshua dominating after Paul showed early resilience.
• Experts overwhelmingly predicted a Joshua victory, with most forecasting an early stoppage; one outlier suggested a draw.
• Joshua’s win marked his return after a 15-month layoff, while Paul suffered a broken jaw but vowed to continue boxing.

The Build-Up to a Controversial Clash

Anthony Joshua made his long-awaited return to the ring on December 19, 2025, facing Jake Paul in a highly debated heavyweight matchup. The former two-time unified champion, aged 36, ended a 15-month hiatus following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Paul, the 28-year-old social media star turned boxer, took the biggest risk of his career against a legitimate elite heavyweight.

This eight-round professional bout, sanctioned with 10-ounce gloves, drew massive attention but also criticism for the experience gap. Joshua brought Olympic gold and world-title pedigree, while Paul’s resume featured wins over aging fighters and MMA crossovers. Despite the skepticism, the event showcased Paul’s promotional prowess, attracting global viewership on Netflix.

Expert Predictions: Overwhelming Favoritism for Joshua

Ahead of the fight, boxing insiders almost unanimously backed Joshua for a decisive win. Their insights highlighted the vast disparity in skill, power, and experience.

Lennox Lewis, retired heavyweight legend, envisioned a quick finish: Joshua would use jabs and body shots to soften Paul before ending matters in the second round. Natasha Jonas, former multi-weight world champion, warned that Paul’s survival would harm boxing’s credibility, stressing no one could evade Joshua’s power indefinitely.

Frazer Clarke, British heavyweight contender who sparred with Joshua, described the Briton’s power as “different level,” predicting disintegration. Carl Frampton, retired two-weight champion, expected Joshua to corner and overwhelm Paul early.

Promoter Eddie Hearn forecasted a devastating knockout inside two rounds, citing Joshua’s speed and destruction. Trainer Joe Gallagher anticipated Joshua unleashing in rounds two or three, similar to his Francis Ngannou performance. Richie Woodhall, retired champion, compared it to a mismatch, urging Joshua to “punch a hole” without mercy.

Other voices echoed this: Anthony Crolla saw a second-round stoppage, Troy Williamson leaned toward points but felt a quick finish was due, and Izzy Asif predicted clinical domination by rounds three or four. Chris Billam-Smith called it absurd, criticizing Joshua if it lasted five rounds. Caroline Dubois remained intrigued but on the fence.

Only American heavyweight Cassius Chaney dissented, suggesting a frustrating draw if Paul moved cleverly and Joshua grew cautious.

The Fight and Aftermath

The predictions proved largely accurate. Joshua controlled the action, dropping Paul multiple times before the referee stopped the contest in the sixth round. Paul displayed heart by rising repeatedly but struggled with Joshua’s power, ultimately suffering a broken jaw.

Joshua admitted it “took longer than expected” but achieved his goal of hurting Paul. He immediately called out Tyson Fury for a future blockbuster. Paul, hospitalized post-fight, remained defiant, planning a break before targeting a cruiserweight world title.

This outcome reinforced Joshua’s status among heavyweights while validating critics of crossover bouts. Paul’s resilience earned respect, but the gulf in class was evident.

The Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight captivated the boxing world, blending spectacle with serious competition concerns. Joshua’s 15-month absence stemmed from recovery and reflection after his Dubois defeat, making this return a statement opportunity. Paul’s bold step up—after victories over Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.—tested his claims of legitimacy.

Expert consensus reflected reality: Joshua’s superior technique, power, and experience overwhelmed Paul. Lewis and others emphasized Joshua’s jab and right hand as decisive tools. Jonas and Woodhall voiced broader worries about boxing’s image if Paul lasted long.

Chaney’s draw prediction highlighted potential frustration if Paul evaded engagement, a tactic he partially employed early. Yet Joshua’s persistence prevailed, landing clean shots that exposed Paul’s limitations at heavyweight.

The Miami crowd witnessed a lopsided affair, with Paul tumbling and clinching to survive. Joshua’s post-fight self-critique showed his high standards, despite the win improving his record to 29-4.

Paul’s broken jaw underscored the risks, but his post-fight comments affirmed commitment to the sport. Shifting to cruiserweight aligns with advice to avoid elite heavyweights.

This event highlighted boxing’s evolving landscape, where influencer matchups drive revenue but spark debate. Joshua’s victory positions him for bigger fights, potentially against Fury in 2026. Paul’s journey continues, proving entertainment value even in defeat. The clash reminded fans of levels in the sweet science, delivering drama while affirming traditional expertise.

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