Anthony Joshua has opened up following his victory over Jake Paul, with the Briton admitting that he didn’t produce anywhere near the best performance of his career.

The 36-year-old, taking part in his first boxing match since September 2024, managed to win via knockout in the sixth round.

 

Joshua was, however, slow and sluggish in the early rounds. Paul attempted to tire out his opponent and even landed some strong punches in the early stages of the contest.

However, as time went on, there was only ever going to be one winner. AJ upped his intensity and delivered a crushing knockout blow in the sixth round, having previously floored his opponent on two occasions.

Joshua, speaking in the ring in the aftermath of the bout, conceded that he wasn’t at his best after 15 months away.

However, he was pleased to get the victory and showed class by hailing Paul for the way he performed.

“First of all, I wanna give love to the crowd,” he said.

Anthony Joshua Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua floored Jake Paul multiple times in their boxing fight

 | GETTY

“It wasn’t the best performance. The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down, hurt him – that has been the request leading up.

“It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found its destination.”

“Jake Paul has done really well tonight. I wanna give him his props, it takes a real man to do that.

Boxing facts

Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PA“He came up against a real fighter tonight, who’s had a 15-month lay-off.

“I needed to give this guy a systematic breakdown, I said I’m going to see his soul leave his body round after round.

“I said it, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Question marks will, however, still hover over Joshua.

His critics will point to a man on the wane due to the fact it took him six rounds to overcome Paul, a former YouTuber and Disney Channel star.

Yet Joshua, who also called out Tyson Fury amid reports suggesting they’re set to do battle next year, insists he’s not bothered by what other people have to say.

Anthony Joshua Jake Paul

Jake Paul put up a big fight against Anthony Joshua on Saturday morning | GETTY“I refuse to get hurt, I refuse to acknowledge getting hurt,” he said. “There is no hurt in me.

“Jake, well done. I don’t care about legacy.

“I’m just doing what I decide to do.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn, joining Joshua in the ring, added: “We want the Tyson Fury fight of course.”