JOSHUA STOPS JAKE PAUL AND ISSUES FURY CHALLENGE AFTER MIAMI WIN

By: Gyang Dakwo

Anthony Joshua reminded fans that boxing has clear levels as he stopped Jake Paul in front of a packed and star-filled crowd in Miami on Friday night.

The former two-time heavyweight champion had a slow and frustrating start, but he stayed patient and used his size and longer reach to take control and quiet the YouTuber turned boxer.

From the opening bell, Paul focused more on staying safe than trying to hurt Joshua, and he moved cautiously around the ring. This approach angered many fans online, and it grew worse as Paul repeatedly dropped to the canvas and grabbed Joshua’s legs to avoid punches.

The bout became so awkward that the referee briefly halted the action in the fourth round and warned that the crowd did not come to see that kind of contest.

Joshua eventually found his rhythm, and he began to land heavier shots with better timing. The shift was clear, and the crowd responded as the British fighter pressed forward.

In the sixth round, the fight ended when Joshua delivered a strong flurry of punches that sent Paul to the ground. The referee stepped in moments later and waved the contest off.

Speaking after the fight, Joshua admitted the performance was not perfect, but said the goal was always clear. “It was not the best performance. The end goal was to get Jake Paul, put him down and hurt him. It took longer than expected, but the right hand finally found the destination,” he said.

The former champion also praised Paul for his toughness and effort. “Jake Paul has done really well tonight. He got up time and time again. It was difficult in there for him, but he kept trying to find a way,” Joshua said. “It takes a real man to do that. Anyone who laces up these gloves deserves respect, and we have to give Jake his respect for trying and trying.”

He then turned his attention to a possible future clash with Tyson Fury and issued a clear challenge. “If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is, he should put down his Twitter fingers, put on some gloves and come and fight one of the realest fighters out there,” Joshua said. “Step in the ring with me next if you are a real bad boy.”