Anthony Joshua reminded the world there are levels to the fight game as he dismantled Jake Paul in front of a star-studded crowd in Miami on Friday night.
The former two-time heavyweight champion was forced to overcome a frustrating start before using his size, reach and skill to knockout the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
From the opening bell, Paul adopted a strategy of survival instead of engagement, dancing around the ring to avoid any heavy exchanges with the British superstar.
It was a tactic that drew the ire from fans on social media, who were further frustrated by Paul’s habit of dropping to the floor and bizarrely grabbing the legs of ‘AJ’.
So much so, even the referee brought a halt to proceedings in the fourth round and was heard telling both fighters that ‘the fans ain’t paying to see this c***’.
Thankfully, for fans both in attendance and watching online, it didn’t take long for Joshua to find his form and deliver some brutal blows to the YouTube star.
Anthony Joshua delivered a sixth round knockout during his fight against Jake Paul in Miami
Paul continuously fell to the floor and danced around the ring before getting knocked out
The former two-time heavyweight champion was forced to overcome a frustrating start
In the sixth round, the farcical display came to an end as Joshua provided a powerful flurry of punches that sent Paul to the ground – before the referee waved it off.
In his post-fight interview, the YouTuber-turned-boxer would claim that his jaw was ‘definitely broken’ during the fight – likely a result of that sixth round storm.
Joshua, on the other hand, took time to give the social media star props for stepping in the ring before calling out rival Tyson Fury to finally settle their long-running feud.
Though it wasn’t a vintage ‘AJ’ display nor one that would bring confidence to his fanbase ahead of a fight with Fury, it’s a bout that everyone still wants to see.
Earlier in the night, in a move that sparked immediate controversy online, Paul made his grand entrance alongside controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine.
The 29-year-old rapper, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, was recently labeled a ‘dumpster fire’ by a New York judge who sentenced him to three months in prison for probation violations.
With the world watching, Netflix spared no expense for their production of the event – as celebrities from around the globe flocked to the Kaseya Center for fight night.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was among the most dressed-up attendees, spotted in a prime ringside seat wearing a full tuxedo for the blockbuster occasion.
Golf legend Rory McIlroy was also seen enjoying the atmosphere, fresh off the back of his Sports Personality of the Year triumph.
Paul did well to last six rounds with Joshua but hardly did his reputation any favors
The ‘Problem Child’ found himself in a spot of bother after a brutal flurry from Joshua
Despite the defeat, a bloodied Paul was all smiles as he was embraced by his brother, Logan
Joshua, meanwhile, was swarmed by media as he raised his right hand triumphantly in the air
Broadcasting star Kay Adams was also spotted ringside, taking in the action alongside NFL legends Brandon Marshall and Michael Irvin.
Meanwhile, Miami’s own Rick Ross brought the local flavor, appearing in typical flamboyant style as he cheered on the main event.
The glitz extended to the ring, where fans went wild for ring card girl Marissa Ayers, who is rumored to be dating New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The influencer, who boasts over 1.5 million followers across her social media pages – but that could soon change after going viral for her ring girl performance.
And, if notable names weren’t able to make it to fight night, they were still tuned in.
Canadian rapper Drake revealed, just hours before the main event, that he had placed a staggering $200,000 bet on Paul to upset the odds and defeat Joshua.
However, the ‘Drake Curse’ appeared to strike again as Paul struggled to land a significant punch on the towering Brit during the bout.
Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Alycia Baumgardner showcased her dominance to retain her unified super featherweight titles in a clinical performance against Canada’s Leila Beaudoin.
Paul sparked controversy by walking out with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine prior to the fight
Barstool Sports boss Dave Portnoy and golf legend Rory McIlroy were spotted in the front row
Ring girl Marissa Ayers, rumored to be dating Jaxson Dart, also went viral on the night
Rappers such as Young Thug (left) and Rick Ross (right) were also spotted on the red carpet
Earlier in the night, Anderson Silva knocked out Tyron Woodley in the second round
‘The Bomb’ stayed true to her nickname, scoring a seventh-round knockdown and winning by majority decision with scores of 117-110, 117-110 and 118-109.
Prior to that, the crowd were treated to a vintage performance from UFC legend Anderson Silva – who made his return to the boxing ring after three years away.
The 50-year-old produced a brutal second-round knockout against Tyron Woodley in their cruiserweight clash, proving that age is just a number.
In his post-fight interview, veteran star Silva stunned fans across the globe by announcing a shock career switch to law enforcement.
Meanwhile, broadcaster Sibley Scoles also stole the show as the ringside reporter, interviewing the A-list attendees as millions tuned in globally.
For many, it was the first time seeing Scoles on their screen, but she is already an Emmy-winning broadcaster and reporter well-known to NFL fans.
In fact, she is the ‘in-game host’ for the Las Vegas Raiders, appearing at every home game at the NFL team’s Allegiant Stadium.
The 37-year-old is also a red carpet host for E! and Access Hollywood, and this year made her debut as a host for Women of Wrestling.
