Anthony Joshua didn’t hold back when talking about Jake Paul’s punching power following their highly anticipated showdown at the Kaseya Center in Miami on December 19, a bout that ended in a dramatic sixth-round knockout.
The British heavyweight star, known for his precision and technique, didn’t mince words when asked about Paul‘s strength after the fight. Despite the intense buildup, Joshua‘s measured response showed his focus remained on his performance rather than inflating his opponent’s reputation.
Both fighters entered the ring amid enormous hype. Paul, the social media personality turned professional boxer, had built a surprising record and a massive following, making the matchup with Joshua one of the most talked-about combat sports events of the year.
However, Joshua‘s credentials, a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, made him the clear favorite. Fans were eager to see if Paul could withstand the power and experience of one of boxing’s elite heavyweights.
From the opening bell, Joshua gradually imposed his dominance. The early rounds were relatively cautious, with both fighters testing each other, but Joshua’s experience began to shine through as the rounds progressed. By the fifth round, he had started landing with greater accuracy, weakening Paul‘s defense.
The climax arrived in the sixth round, where Joshua‘s well-timed combinations led to three knockdowns and ultimately a knockout that left Paul with a broken jaw. The result highlighted the gap between seasoned professional fighters and rising crossover stars, despite Paul‘s confidence and preparation.
Joshua’s candid three-word take on Paul’s power
After the fight, Joshua spoke to Fight Hub TV and gave a blunt, three-word assessment of Paul‘s punching ability: “It was alright.”
The concise reply emphasized Joshua‘s perspective that while Paul showed resilience, his power was not comparable to that of an elite heavyweight. Joshua also reflected on his own performance, admitting it “could have been better” but emphasizing that achieving victory was the ultimate goal.
Paul also shared his perspective on the experience during an appearance on his brother Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive” podcast. He acknowledged Joshua‘s imposing presence in the ring and the severity of the jaw injury, describing it as “like a baseball in there.”
Despite the defeat, Paul recognized the learning opportunity, noting the value of stepping into the ring with a world-class opponent. He admitted that the fight offered insight into the skills and discipline required at the highest level of the sport.
The bout reinforced the contrast between established professional boxing talent and crossover stars. While Paul‘s ability to entertain and attract attention remains undeniable, Joshua‘s performance highlighted why technical skill, timing, and knockout power are crucial in elite boxing.
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