Anthony Joshua apologised to Jake Paul's parents, who were seated at ringside, after he secured a decisive sixth-round knockout victory over the US influencer during their Netflix showdown on Friday evening.
The two-time heavyweight world champion delivered a punishing jab-cross combination that sent the American YouTuber collapsing to the canvas.
The Olympic gold medallist endured a frustrating opening to the contest, with Paul opting to maintain distance and avoid direct exchanges.
However, as fatigue set in, Paul could no longer evade Joshua's power.
The brutal finish left Paul with a broken jaw in two places, requiring hospital treatment.
Throughout the bout, Paul hit the canvas on four separate occasions before the final stoppage.
The British heavyweight first acknowledged Paul's father Gregory, who reached out to grasp his glove.
Joshua then turned his attention to Paul's mother Pam Stepnick, asking "You're the mum?" before offering an apology.
Anthony Joshua apologised to Jake Paul’s family
|GETTY
The champion told her: "It's just a fight."
Stepnick responded with composure, simply saying: "I know."
Joshua continued by expressing admiration for her son, telling Stepnick: "He's got heart. He's a strong guy, man."
The champion declared: "Jake Paul, he's done really well tonight. I want to give him his props. He got up time and time again."
Jake Paul shared a video from a hospital bed following his clash with Anthony Joshua
| INSTAGRAMLATEST SPORT NEWS
Anthony Joshua's knockout punch on Jake Paul has quickly gone viral | REUTERSJoshua acknowledged the challenge Paul faced, adding: "It was difficult in there for him, but he kept on trying to find a way. It takes a real man to do that."
He said: "Anyone who laces up these gloves, we always say we give them our respect. We have to give Jake his respect for trying and trying and trying. Well done."
Paul was subsequently transferred to hospital where he underwent surgery for his broken jaw.
The American faces a week-long restriction preventing him from eating solid food.
A secondary post of the X-ray revealed a double break in two places | INSTAGRAMThe severity of the injury vindicated his mother's initial fears when Paul first revealed his intention to face Joshua.
In a video call announcing the bout, Stepnick had reacted with horror, exclaiming: "No. Oh no are you crazy?"
When asked if she was scared, she admitted: "No. I'm terrified."
Paul's father Gregory took a markedly different view, laughing before predicting his son would knock Joshua out.
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