Friday night in Miami brought a spectacular showdown that reminded everyone why Anthony Joshua remains a heavyweight force to be reckoned with.
Facing YouTube sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul, Joshua overcame a tricky start before unleashing his full arsenal, leaving the star-studded crowd in awe.
From the first bell, Paul seemed more focused on avoiding damage than trading punches.
His hit-and-run approach, peppered with frequent trips to the canvas and unusual attempts to grab Joshua’s legs, quickly frustrated fans watching in the arena and online.
By the fourth round, even the referee couldn’t contain his annoyance, stopping the fight briefly to tell both fighters, in no uncertain terms, that the crowd deserved more action.
Sixth Round Sees the Finish
Joshua’s patience paid off.
By the sixth round, he had found his rhythm, combining reach, power, and skill to deliver a devastating flurry that finally put Paul on the canvas.
The referee promptly ended the contest, cementing Joshua’s victory.
Post-fight, Paul admitted his jaw was “definitely broken” during the bout, a testament to the intensity of Joshua’s finishing assault.
Joshua, ever gracious, praised Paul for stepping into the ring while immediately turning attention to his long-awaited rivalry with Tyson Fury, signaling that fans should expect a showdown that has been years in the making.
While this wasn’t the peak Joshua performance that hardcore fans crave ahead of a Fury matchup, it was enough to maintain interest in the saga.
Jake Paul’s Controversial Entrance
The night began with a buzz of controversy as Paul made his entrance accompanied by rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, who recently served time for probation violations.
The bold move immediately sparked online chatter, adding an unpredictable edge to the evening.
Star-Studded Crowd Turns Out
The Kaseya Center was awash with celebrities, underscoring the glitzy nature of the event.
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, was spotted in full tuxedo ringside, while golf superstar Rory McIlroy enjoyed the spectacle following his Sports Personality of the Year win.
NFL legends Brandon Marshall and Michael Irvin, alongside broadcaster Kay Adams, were also present, soaking in the atmosphere.
Miami native Rick Ross brought his signature flair, adding to the local flavor.
Ring card girl Marissa Ayers drew plenty of attention as well, rumored to be dating New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
With over 1.5 million followers on social media, her performance went viral, amplifying the event’s buzz.
Even those who couldn’t attend in person stayed engaged. Canadian rapper Drake revealed just hours before the fight that he had wagered $200,000 on Paul—though the night’s outcome proved the “Drake Curse” might still be in effect.
Co-Main and Supporting Fights Impress
Before the main event, the co-main showcased Alycia Baumgardner defending her unified super featherweight titles against Canada’s Leila Beaudoin.
True to her nickname “The Bomb,” Baumgardner scored a seventh-round knockdown and earned a majority decision win with scores of 117-110, 117-110, and 118-109.
Meanwhile, UFC legend Anderson Silva returned to the boxing ring for the first time in three years, demonstrating that age is just a number.
The 50-year-old delivered a second-round knockout against Tyron Woodley, then stunned fans by announcing a career switch to law enforcement in his post-fight interview.
Ringside Reporting and Global Broadcast
The night also highlighted broadcaster Sibley Scoles, whose ringside interviews with A-list attendees added depth to the live experience.
Known for her Emmy-winning work and as the Las Vegas Raiders’ in-game host, Scoles brought professionalism and charisma to the global broadcast, reaching millions of viewers for the first time in this setting.
What Comes Next for Joshua?
As the Miami lights dimmed, Anthony Joshua’s focus has clearly shifted to settling the long-anticipated rivalry with Tyson Fury.
While his win over Paul may not have been textbook perfection, it was a reminder of his power, skill, and ability to dominate when it counts.
Fans now wait with bated breath for the next chapter in one of boxing’s most intriguing storylines.
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