The bout marked a high-profile clash between a former unified heavyweight champion and one of boxing’s most polarizing modern figures. Joshua, composed and methodical from the opening bell, gradually imposed his experience and size, knocking Paul down four times before the referee brought the contest to an end in Round 6.
Paul entered the fight with momentum, riding a six-fight winning streak and coming off a unanimous decision victory over former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June. His only previous loss had been a split decision defeat to Tommy Fury in February 2023. Friday’s stoppage dropped Paul’s record to 12-2, with seven knockouts, and marked the first time he failed to hear the final bell.
The matchup came together after Paul’s originally planned exhibition bout against lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, scheduled for November 14 at a 195-pound catchweight, was canceled. That event was scrapped following the filing of a civil lawsuit against Davis in late October, alleging battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
For Joshua, the victory represented another step in his ongoing career rebuild. The British heavyweight, now 29-4 with 26 knockouts, lost his WBO, IBF and WBA titles to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 and was again defeated in their rematch nearly a year later. He responded with four consecutive wins before suffering a setback when he was stopped by Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Against Paul, Joshua looked sharp and controlled, capitalizing on openings and steadily wearing his opponent down.
Also featured on the card, Alycia Baumgardner successfully defended her standing among the sport’s elite, adding further significance to an event that blended mainstream attention with established boxing credentials.
The result underscored the clear divide between elite championship experience and crossover boxing appeal. While Paul’s drawing power remains strong, the bout served as a reminder of the demands and risks of facing a former world champion at the highest level. For Joshua, the knockout win reaffirmed his relevance in the heavyweight landscape and reinforced his intent to remain a force in major boxing events.
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