Paul was originally expected to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis in an exhibition bout on Nov. 14, but the fight promotion and Netflix canceled the match after a lawsuit was filed against Davis alleging domestic violence. Joshua stepped in as a replacement and the date and venue changed.
Paul went from being much larger than Davis to being dwarfed by Joshua. The size difference was glaring during the face-offs and in the ring at the Kaseya Center.
Dressed in Hulka Mania attire, Paul was on his bike early. Joshua stalked Paul. Both men targeted the body through the first minute. Paul connected with a right hand. They tied up and fell to the ground by the ropes. When the action restarted, Paul moved in the pocket with a double jab. Joshua landed a right hand that forced Paul to retreat. Paul’s hands were low. The opening frame was difficult to score. Paul had the higher output.
Joshua went back to stalking Paul in the second. Paul landed to the body with a right hand. Joshua responded with a right of his own. Paul continued to circle on the outside not standing in front of Joshua. Paul delivered a combination to the body. MMAWeekly score the second round 10-9 for Joshua.
Paul began the third round with a double jab. Joshua pressed forward. Paul’s circling slowed. Every time Joshua got close to Paul, Paul tied up. Paul looked to be more trying to survive than win. His output in the third frame significantly decreased. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Joshua.
Joshua connected with a jab early in the fourth. Paul landed a right hand followed by a jab. Joshua landed a jab and Paul ducked under the following right. Joshua partially landed an uppercut on the inside. Paul tried to clinch. He’s fallen to the canvas a few times clinching low like sort of a takedown attempt. Paul go hit low and was given time to recover.
When the fight restarted, Paul went to the body. Paul tried to clinch again and fell to the ground. The referee warned both fighters.
The fifth started like each round, Joshua staling Paul. Joshua connected with a clean uppercut. Paul took it but tired to clinch. Paul landed a right hand followed by a left. Joshua went to the body Joshua landed a left that staggered Paul. Joshua smiled. Paul was knocked down. He got to his feet and immediately back circling. He was knocked down a second time. Paul connected with a right hand. He was stationary. Joshua landed a combination at the end of the round. MMAWeekly scored it 10-8 for Joshua.
Joshua pressured Paul and landed a combination. Paul looks tired. A right hand knocked Paul down. He got to his feet and continued. Joshua connected with an uppercut. Paul has nothing to offer. Joshua trapped Paul in the corner and landed a clean right hand. Paul went down and the fight was waived off.
The official time of the stoppage was 1:31 of the sixth round.
THE REF HAS SEEN ENOUGH!!!
ANTHONY JOSHUA GETS THE KO AGAINST JAKE PAUL IN ROUND 6! #JakeJoshua pic.twitter.com/m5Y2VJ8to3
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) December 20, 2025
