By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
Britain’s two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round of their fight from sold out Kaseya Center in Miami.
Joshua methodically established pace against Paul from the opening round as neither fighter engaged early. Midway through the round, Paul threw an overhand right that Joshua blocked with his glove. In the closing seconds, Joshua scored with a right to the head near the ropes.
In the second, Joshua began utilizing his 6-inch reach advantage by leading with a left jab.
Paul scored with a short right to the head early in the fourth. Later in the round, Paul twice fell to the canvas awkwardly as he again attempted to cut distance during close exchanges.
Eventually Paul was ruthlessly halted by Joshua in the next round as he toppled to the canvas following another exchange and then, when Paul clambered to his feet, Joshua delivered a fight-ending right hand.
Paul weighed 216 pounds and Joshua weighed 243 for the bout.
Celebrities in the crowd included golf champion Rory McIlroy, New York Mets slugger Juan Soto, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and retired NFL receivers Michael Irvin and Brandon Marshall.
“It wasn’t the best performance,” Joshua, 36, said.
“The end goal was to pin Jake Paul down and hurt him. It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found the destination.”
Joshua claimed the 29th victory of his professional career in 33 outings and can now turn his attention to a more legitimate challenge – notably the long-mooted showdown with Tyson Fury next year.