In a highly anticipated crossover heavyweight clash streamed live on Netflix, former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua marked his return to the ring with a decisive sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The bout, billed as "Judgment Day," lived up to its pre-fight hype as a mismatch of elite experience against entertainment spectacle, with Joshua ultimately overwhelming Paul to secure an emphatic stoppage and restore a sense of traditional boxing pedigree.
Joshua, entering the fight with a record of 28-4 (25 KOs), was making his first appearance since a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, which cost him a shot at reclaiming the IBF heavyweight title. The 36-year-old British star, an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most accomplished heavyweights of his generation, was a massive favorite, with odds reflecting the vast gulf in professional experience. Paul, aged 28 with a 12-1 record (7 KOs), had built his boxing career primarily against aging MMA fighters, former UFC champions, and crossover opponents, suffering his only prior loss on points. His most notable wins included decisions over Julio César Chávez Jr. and a controversial bout against Mike Tyson, but facing a prime elite heavyweight like Joshua represented his sternest test by far.
The fight was sanctioned as an eight-round professional heavyweight contest with 10-ounce gloves, streamed globally on Netflix without additional pay-per-view fees, drawing a massive audience eager to see if Paul could pull off one of boxing's biggest upsets. Promoter Eddie Hearn had framed the matchup as a lucrative opportunity for Joshua to boost his U.S. profile while delivering a statement win. Pre-fight tensions were high, with Paul's confident trash talk contrasting Joshua's focused demeanor, as the Brit vowed "no mercy" and zero chance of the fight going the distance.
From the opening bell, Joshua's superior class was evident, though Paul employed clever movement and clinching to frustrate the former champion and extend the bout longer than many anticipated. Paul circled the ring laterally, avoiding direct exchanges and forcing Joshua to chase, a tactic that drew boos from the crowd at times. Joshua remained patient, landing sporadic heavy shots that tested Paul's durability. The fight turned decisively in the later rounds as Paul's energy waned under Joshua's pressure and weight advantage—Joshua weighed in at around 243 lbs, while Paul came in lighter at approximately 216 lbs.
Multiple knockdowns punctuated the action, with reports indicating Paul was floored several times, including twice in the fifth round. In the sixth, Joshua capitalized on an opening with a devastating short right hand that sent Paul crumbling to the canvas. Paul rose but was met with a swarm of punches, prompting the referee to wave off the contest at around 1:31 of the round, awarding Joshua the knockout victory. Post-fight, Paul revealed he suffered a double broken jaw from the finishing blow, requiring hospital treatment and forcing him to miss the press conference.
The victory improved Joshua's record to 29-4, shaking off ring rust from his 15-month layoff and silencing doubts about his sharpness following the Dubois defeat. In his post-fight interview, Joshua expressed mild disappointment in not securing a quicker finish but emphasized the win as a stepping stone, calling out retired rival Tyson Fury for a potential blockbuster in 2026. "If Tyson Fury wants to put down his Twitter fingers and put on gloves, let's make it happen," Joshua stated, reigniting talk of their long-awaited all-British showdown.
For Paul, the loss marked his first stoppage defeat and ended a six-fight win streak. Despite the lopsided outcome, he earned respect for lasting into the sixth against a heavyweight powerhouse, later stating intentions to heal and target a cruiserweight world title upon return. "I got my ass beat tonight, but I'll come back stronger," Paul reflected, acknowledging the step up in competition.
The event featured a stacked undercard, including unified women's super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner defending her titles via unanimous decision, Anderson Silva stopping Tyron Woodley in a cruiserweight rematch, and other notable bouts that added to the night's entertainment value. Netflix's broadcast shattered viewing records for boxing on the platform, highlighting the growing intersection of traditional sports and influencer-driven events.
This win positions Joshua back in contention for elite heavyweight matchups, potentially setting up high-stakes rematches or undisputed title pursuits in 2026. It also underscored the risks and rewards of crossover bouts, delivering a reminder of the chasm between proven champions and rising entertainers. As boxing evolves in the streaming era, Joshua's triumphant return reaffirms his status as one of the division's premier forces.
