Anthony Joshua needed six rounds to knock out Jake Paul in a fight filled with drama. The YouTuber initially tried to evade Joshua’s attacks by moving around the ring until he eventually succumbed and was dropped multiple times by Joshua’s powerful punches. Despite the victory, Joshua admitted it wasn’t his best performance and praised Paul for his resilience.
Joshua had stepped in as a replacement for Gervonta Davis, lured by a significant £70 million offer. However, his participation was marred by controversy when an ex-girlfriend accused him of kidnapping. Throughout the fight week, Joshua exuded confidence and anticipation for the big payday, even making bold statements against Paul.
The match showcased Joshua’s serious intent as he swiftly made his way to the ring without the usual flashy entrances. On the other hand, Paul resorted to defensive tactics, continuously circling the ring to avoid Joshua’s attacks, much to the crowd’s displeasure. Despite Paul’s efforts, Joshua gradually closed the distance and landed decisive blows.
The turning point came in the fifth round when Joshua’s relentless assault finally overwhelmed Paul, resulting in multiple knockdowns. The bout concluded in the sixth round when Joshua delivered a powerful right hand that sent Paul to the canvas for the final time, prompting the referee to stop the fight.
In other events, Alycia Baumgardner successfully defended her super-featherweight world titles in a routine victory over Leila Beaudoin. Anderson Silva emerged victorious against Tyron Woodley in a clash of UFC legends, while Caroline Dubois retained her lightweight world title with a points win over Camilla Pannata.
