Paul vs. Joshua: The Briton wins in the sixth round of a heavyweight mismatch

British heavyweight Anthony Joshua needed six rounds to stop boxing novice Jake Paul, who spent most of the contest in survival mode in one of the most notable mismatches in the history of the sport.

Joshua, a two-time world champion, looked increasingly frustrated as Paul danced around the ring for long periods, refusing to engage, before Joshua finally asserted himself by knocking down the YouTuber turned two-time boxer in the fifth round.

Paul fell again in the sixth, before Joshua landed a powerful, clean right hand, bringing a surreal night to an abrupt end at Miami’s Casilla Centre.

The American did not beat the count, although there was clear relief inside the arena when he was able to get up on his feet and leave the ring without assistance.

“It wasn’t the best performance,” Joshua (36 years old) said. “The ultimate goal was to pin Jake Paul and hurt him. It took a little longer than expected, but the right hand finally found the destination.”

It may have taken longer than expected, but it was the result the boxing world had overwhelmingly expected, and the controversial bout raises questions about the security risks created by such a vast gap in experience, size and strength.

Joshua has recorded the 29th win of his professional career in 33 fights and can now turn his attention to a legitimate challenge – in particular a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury next year.

“Come and fight one of the toughest fighters out there, and come in with me afterward if you’re a really bad boy,” Joshua told his rival.

Meanwhile, Paul failed to deliver on his promise to pull off the biggest upset in the sport.

However, the 28-year-old only managed to land a few shots, and the fact that the contest extended to the sixth round was a poor reflection on Joshua.