Anthony Joshua made a stunning return on Saturday morning, defeating Jake Paul in Miami. The former heavyweight champion showcased superior power and experience throughout the bout.
Although Paul exceeded expectations, lasting beyond the early rounds, Joshua remained dominant. Round five marked a turning point, as Joshua landed a sharp uppercut early. Paul clinched and dropped to the canvas, seeking a brief moment of recovery.
Later, Paul landed an overhand right, his best strike of the fight. Joshua responded immediately, dropping Paul twice during a chaotic fifth round. The first knockdown resulted from accumulated punches rather than a single clean shot.
At the two-minute mark, Joshua connected with a right hand, flooring Paul again. Paul survived the round but appeared visibly shaken after a late combination.
Joshua wasted no time in the sixth round, opening with a right-hand-left-hook combo. He pinned Paul to the ropes, unleashing a relentless barrage of punches. A brutal right hand to the chin sent Paul crashing to the canvas.
Joshua’s victory marked his first fight after a 15-month hiatus. Post-fight, he admitted the performance was not his best but achieved his goal. Joshua also issued a direct challenge to Tyson Fury for a potential mega fight.
Despite the loss, Paul remained positive, revealing a broken jaw sustained during the bout. He confirmed plans to continue boxing and aim for a future world title.
