Anthony Joshua delivered on his promise during his highly anticipated clash with Jake Paul on Netflix on Friday night. Midway through the sixth round, Joshua turned up the heat and landed a crushing right hand that sent Paul to the canvas, catching the attention of UFC fighters.
Ahead of the boxing match, intrigue filled the air as some believed ‘The Problem Child’ had the necessary power to test AJ’s allegedly suspect chin. Paul’s dedication to boxing over the past six years had led him to the biggest moment of his career, against a true boxer, and there was much to be proud of, despite the defeat.
Jake Paul showed moments of promise, landing some big shots on his much more experienced opponent, but it wasn’t enough to get the job done. Despite initial struggles, Anthony Joshua found the fight-ending shot and will now look ahead to a career-defining 2026.
Throughout the event, UFC fighters had much to say. Check out what the MMA world thought about the unusual fight that unfolded on December 19.
AJ must be feeling some serious pressure right now, surely this is scarier than any of his big fights 🤷🏼♂️
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) December 20, 2025
Jake was brave or stupid to get in that ring with Joshua
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) December 20, 2025
Scared
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) December 20, 2025
The Netflix show!!!!!!
— DT (@darrentill2) December 20, 2025
We all hate these Jake Paul fights… BUT we always watch them. 🤦🏿♂️ Its like a bad car wreck and we are rubber neckers driving by the scene… STARING!! #PaulJoshua
— Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) December 20, 2025
Jake Paul performed admirably, managing to avoid any big shots from Anthony Joshua for much of the first half of the fight.
While his game plan to fend off anything significant was going to plan, both Paul and Joshua felt the brunt of the fans. The pair received backlash as the entertainment factor was missing in the early stages of their clash.
This Joshua v Paul fight is….weird. By weird I mean Joshua isn’t cutting ring off or throwing serious punches. Not a single straight right hand. Get your money boys. 🤔
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) December 20, 2025
Joshuas size is knocking Jake around the ring. #jakepaulvsanthonyjoshua
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) December 20, 2025
This is a clown show 🤣🤣🤣
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 20, 2025
Jake Paul is already proving that boxing as a sport is kinda bullshit if you just refuse to play the game
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) December 20, 2025
Related: Anthony Joshua knocks out Jake Paul
A common occurrence during the fight was Jake Paul’s strange grappling tactic.
Each time Joshua would push the pace in attempts to engage, Paul would drop to his knees and execute a move that closely resembled a double-leg takedown.
Jake Paul shot more double-legs in a boxing match than I did in my entire UFC career. 😆
— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) December 20, 2025
Wrestling is king
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) December 20, 2025
Jake thinks he’s Logan tonight with all of the WWE wrestling ! 😂😂😂 #JoshuaPaul #boxing
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 20, 2025
The fight came to an end in the sixth, when Anthony Joshua finally cornered Jake Paul and began landing.
A crushing right hand saw Paul suffer the first knockout loss of his career, giving UFC fighters an excuse to air their thoughts.
Cool to see it’s real lol
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) December 20, 2025
Tank would have Knocked him out faster!!
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) December 20, 2025
NOW THAT!! Was a RIGHT HAND!!!#PaulJoshua
— Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) December 20, 2025
