The fight that ended a historic life Netflix boxing broadcast marked the end of Paul’s undefeated professional record and confirmed boxing purists’ warnings about the vast gulf between influencer spectacle and elite-level competition. Although Paul survived longer than many expected, Joshua’s strength and precision proved an insurmountable challenge.
Netflix and chill. pic.twitter.com/khb1yxFjiW
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) December 20, 2025
Battle Breakdown: Joshua’s methodical demolition
From the opening bell, the story of the fight was set by a grim tone size and experience differences. Joshua, weighing £243.4used his formidable jab and reach to control the distance, while Paul, op £216.6carefully circled on the outside.
The critical moment came in the fifth round when a sharp Joshua combination sent Paul to the canvas for the first time. Paul showed courage by defeating the count, but the dam was broken. In the sixth roundJoshua increased the pressure and landed a flush with his right hand, tripping Paul. A final flurry against the ropes prompted the referee’s intervention, causing a TKO win for the British star. The official result confirmed the bets which had heavily favored Joshua from the beginning.
Mixed reactions from the martial arts world
The aftermath of the fight sparked a wave of reactions on social media, highlighting the divisive nature of Paul’s career. Former opponent Nate Diaz offered a critical, if predictable, opinion, posting on social media: “That boi don’t work hard enough.”
Others showed moderate respect. Ryan Garcia acknowledged the legitimacy of the match and stated that Paul’s previous wins and this loss were all ‘real’. UFC Featherweight Josh Emmett provided a humorous critique of Paul’s defensive tactics, joking that he had “never seen so many double leg shots in a boxing match”, referring to Paul’s frequent clinching.
Perhaps the most moving praise came from the MMA legend Chris Cyborg. She praised Paul’s bravery on social media, writing: “Jake Paul didn’t have to fight Anthony Joshua… but he took on an impossible challenge and dared to be great.”
Paul’s response and the way forward
Jake Paul addressed the loss and surrounding speculation with his signature mix of humor and defiance. In a social media post, he dismissed conspiracy theories, writing: “I was paid to lose? Hahaha.”
Despite the defeat, the financial success of the event was unmistakable. According to reports from The sports newsNetflix’s global audience was huge, and Joshua is expected to bank a wallet of more than £70 million. For Paul, the path forward remains uncertain but lucrative, with potential rematch clauses against former enemies like Mike Perry being talked about.
A defining evening for crossover boxing
The event marked a turning point for the sport. It proved the massive appeal of influencer boxing, attracting a global audience that few pure sporting events could match. Yet it reinforced a traditional hierarchy in the ring. As analysts at ESPN Boxing The result was a clear demonstration of elite technical prowess over determined but outpaced ambition.
For Anthony Joshua, the victory reaffirms his status at the top of the sport and perfectly creates potential mega fight with Tyson Fury in 2026. For Jake Paul, the ‘experiment’ represents his toughest test yet, but his willingness to take a real loss could ultimately earn him a new form of respect in a skeptical combat sports landscape.
Frequently asked questions
How did Jake Paul lose to Anthony Joshua?
Anthony Joshua won with technical knockout (TKO) in the sixth round after knocking down Jake Paul multiple times, culminating in a referee stoppage.
Did Jake Paul perform better than expected?
Yes. Most experts, including Conor McGregor who predicted one knockout in the first minuteexpected a faster finish. Paul’s durability in lasting through the sixth round was a surprise.
What was the reaction of other fighters?
Reactions were mixed, ranging from criticism (Nate Diaz) to respect for Paul’s bravery (Cris Cyborg) and humor about his tactics (Josh Emmett).
What does this mean for Anthony Joshua’s next fight?
The victory positions Joshua perfectly for a historic, high-stakes event heavyweight title unification fight against Tyson Furythat is intended for 2026.
Is Jake Paul’s boxing career over?
Unlikely. The event was a great financial success. Paul is likely to return in another high-profile match, with talk of a rematch against Mike Perry or other names from the influencer boxing scene.
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