Luke Littler gives brutal verdict on Jake Paul after influencer knocked out by Anthony Joshua

Littler posted on his Instagram story with a pointed reference to Tom Hanks' beloved film character, writing "Run Forrest Run" in a clear jibe at Paul.

The reigning world darts champion appeared to anticipate that the American would spend much of the contest attempting to evade the two-time heavyweight champion rather than trading blows.

He could also be suggesting that Paul should not fight the British heavyweight due to their skill and size difference.

Littler's prediction proved remarkably accurate as the 28-year-old Paul spent considerable time either utilising the oversized 22x22ft ring to keep his distance or dropping to his knees to avoid Joshua's power.

The American even caught Joshua with some quickfire punches, lifting the crowd inside the arena.

But Paul often struggled to stay on his feet, with the 28-year-old regularly falling to the ground.

Joshua knocked Paul to the floor twice in the decisive fifth round, leaving the YouTuber fighting to stay in the round.

The Americans' strategy of dragging the contest through all eight rounds ultimately failed when Joshua stopped him in the sixth.

The Watford fighter inflicted significant damage, breaking Paul's jaw in two places during the brutal finish.

Littler wasted no time celebrating the outcome.

He returned to Instagram to share an image marking Joshua's triumph with the message: "Job done, easy work Anthony Joshua."

Following his victory, Joshua turned his attention to long-standing British rival Tyson Fury.

"We shook off the cobwebs and I can't wait to roll into 2026," Joshua declared. "And if Tyson Fury's as serious as he thinks he is, and he wants to put down his Twitter fingers and put on some gloves and come and fight one of the realest fighters out there that will take on any challenge, step into the ring with me next."

He added: "If you're a real bad man, don't do all that talking, 'AJ this, AJ that,' let's see you in the ring and talk with your fists."

Both competitors now face mandatory suspensions under FAC regulations, with Joshua required to observe a seven-day rest period while Paul must remain out of action for a minimum of 60 days.

Luke Littler’s is next in action at the World Darts Championship tomorrow.

As the tournament's top seed and defending champion, he is scheduled to play the Welsh qualifier David Davies during the evening session at Alexandra Palace.

The second round session begins at 7pm, with Littler’s match expected to start at approximately 9pm.

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