Anthony Joshua secured a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on Friday evening, though the result arrived far later than most observers had anticipated.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion was widely expected to dispatch the YouTuber-turned-boxer within the opening exchanges at the Kaseya Center.
Instead, Paul's evasive movement and unorthodox tactics, including repeated dives at Joshua's legs, prolonged the contest considerably.
The British fighter floored his opponent on four separate occasions during the middle rounds before finally landing the decisive blow.
Anthony Joshua admitted his performance was not good enough against Jake Paul
|REUTERS
A thunderous right hand sent Paul crashing to the canvas in the sixth, bringing the scheduled eight-round bout to its conclusion.
Paul subsequently claimed he had sustained a broken jaw from the finishing punch.
Joshua has since acknowledged that the widespread criticism of his display is entirely warranted.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the 35-year-old offered a remarkably candid assessment of his own shortcomings.
"I deserve it," Joshua stated. "Because we are elite fighters, if I put myself in the shoes of a coach, if my fighter did six rounds with Jake Paul... I would get him back in the gym tomorrow, give him a bit of a beating and get straight back to work."
He continued with characteristic self-deprecation: "I'd be like 'how are you letting this kid take you six rounds, are you crazy?'."
Anthony Joshua eventually knocked Jake Paul out in the sixth round
|REUTERS
The Watford-born heavyweight conceded he cannot alter what transpired, whilst offering grudging respect to his opponent's resilience.
"I can't go back in time, but credit to him, he done well," Joshua added.
The performance drew fierce condemnation from prominent figures within the boxing world.
Journalist Kevin Iole suggested Joshua ought to consider retirement, describing the display as "epically bad," though he acknowledged the lure of a potential £100 million bout with Tyson Fury would likely prevent such a decision.
Promoter Lou DiBella was equally scathing, declaring that Joshua "should feel ashamed" and that the contest represented his legacy, adding that the British fighter "doesn't give two s***s about boxing."
Former professional boxer Paulie Malignaggi offered more measured criticism, suggesting Joshua could have cut off the ring more effectively, whilst conceding there were limits to what could reasonably be expected.
Joshua himself appeared unmoved by concerns over his standing in the sport's history.
"I don't care about legacy, it lasts about 50 years, then it's done," he remarked.
Joshua's attention now turns firmly to an ambitious 2026 campaign.
Netflix and chill. pic.twitter.com/khb1yxFjiW
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) December 20, 2025
An agreement has been reached with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh for the Briton to return to the ring in February.
That contest is expected to serve as preparation for a long-awaited summer clash with Tyson Fury.
Joshua outlined his intention to maintain peak condition, explaining he would take seven to ten days for recovery before resuming training immediately.
The former champion issued a pointed message to his domestic rival.
Anthony Joshua made hard work of Jake Paul at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Saturday morning, with the Briton needing six rounds to beat his American rival | GETTY"I'm not going to disrespect Fury, but I deserve the fight, the fans deserve it," Joshua said. "It's such a shame, the guy needs to grow a backbone, you win some and you lose some."
He added with unwavering conviction: "I definitely beat him, 100 per cent."