Joshua knocks out Paul to win heavyweight fight  as it happened

Round-by-round live coverage and ringside reaction

22:10  The ring walks begin

The arena lights dim as a low rumble builds inside the stadium.

First out is Paul, hood up, jaw set, soaking in a chorus of boos mixed with pockets of cheers.

He shadowboxes on the ramp, trying to project confidence, but there’s tension in his shoulders.

This is the biggest test of his career by a distance.

Moments later, Joshua emerges to a thunderous reception.

Calm, composed, eyes fixed on the ring, he looks every inch the seasoned heavyweight.

There’s no theatrics just focus. The contrast between the two fighters is striking.

22:16  Final instructions

The referee brings them together in the center of the ring. Paul nods vigorously; Joshua barely reacts. The belts are shown, gloves touch, and we’re ready.

Round 1  Feeling out (22:18)

Joshua takes the center immediately, working behind a stiff jab.

Paul circles, looking to stay light on his feet, flicking out the occasional lead hand.

Joshua’s jab lands early and often, snapping Paul’s head back and establishing range.

Paul tries a wide right hand midway through the round, but it sails past Joshua’s guard.

Joshua doesn’t rush he steps back, resets, and continues to pick his shots. Clear opening round for Joshua.

Round 2  Pressure builds (22:22)

Joshua increases the tempo. The jab is followed by a straight right that lands cleanly, drawing a roar from the crowd. Paul clinches quickly, absorbing the moment.

When they separate, Joshua goes back to work, targeting the body with measured punches.

Paul shows toughness, firing back with a left hook that partially connects, but Joshua barely blinks.

The experience gap is starting to show. Paul’s movements look more labored by the end of the round.

Round 3  Warning signs (22:26)

This round is all Joshua. He cuts off the ring effectively, limiting Paul’s escape routes.

A sharp combination jab, right hand, left hook forces Paul onto the ropes for the first time.

Paul covers up, trying to ride out the storm, but Joshua’s punches are accurate and heavy.

A short right hand gets through the guard and Paul stumbles slightly as the bell rings. He makes it back to his corner, but it’s a worrying moment.

22:29  Corner check

Paul’s corner urges movement and composure. Across the ring, Joshua’s team is calm, reminding him to stay patient.

There’s a sense that this is heading in one direction.

Round 4  The end (22:31)

Joshua wastes no time. He steps in behind the jab, pins Paul near the ropes, and unloads a controlled but powerful combination. Paul tries to fire back, but his punches lack snap.

Then it happens.

A clean right hand from Joshua lands flush, followed immediately by a left hook.

Paul goes down hard, collapsing to the canvas near the ropes. The referee steps in and begins the count.

Paul attempts to rise, pushing himself up on one knee, but his legs betray him. He slumps back as the count reaches ten.

22:33  It’s over

The referee waves it off. Joshua turns away calmly, raising a glove in acknowledgement as the crowd erupts. A knockout victory, emphatic and decisive.

22:35 Immediate reaction

Joshua embraces his team, showing respect to Paul as he gets back to his feet. Paul nods, disappointed but composed, accepting the result.

In the ring interview, Joshua keeps it brief. “I stayed disciplined and did what I needed to do,” he says. “Respect to Paul for stepping in there.”

Paul, speaking moments later, admits the better man won.

“I took a risk,” he says. “Tonight showed me how much more there is to learn.”

22:45 – What it means

For Joshua, this is a statement win one that reinforces the gap between elite heavyweight experience and ambition.

For Paul, it’s a sobering reminder of the level at the top of the division.

The crowd begins to file out, buzzing after a short but decisive main event. It may not have gone long, but it delivered a clear ending.

Joshua, once again, stands tall.