Anthony Joshua Knocks Out Jake Paul, Attracts 33 Million Viewers

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua delivered a stunning performance on Friday night, knocking out social media star Jake Paul in the sixth round of their highly anticipated boxing match. The event, held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, garnered an impressive 33 million viewers globally, according to figures released by Netflix on Tuesday. This viewership reflects the average minute audience for the fight, making it a significant success for the streaming platform.

The fight proved to be a major draw, ranking as Netflix’s top program in 45 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, Mexico, and Argentina. In addition to the online viewership, commercial streaming service Everpass estimated that approximately 600,000 viewers tuned in at various commercial venues, further highlighting the fight’s widespread appeal.

Impact of the Fight on Boxing and Streaming

This bout was the second major boxing event on Netflix this year, following the highly watched match between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford in September, which attracted 41.5 million viewers. Notably, Paul’s previous event against Mike Tyson in November 2024 remains the most-streamed sporting event in Netflix history, peaking at an astonishing 108 million viewers.

Although Paul entered the ring as a heavy underdog with a record of 12-2 and 7 KOs, the fight drew criticism from some boxing circles. Many questioned the decision made by the Florida Athletic Commission to sanction the bout, given Joshua’s extensive experience as a former Olympic gold medalist and two-time heavyweight world champion with a record of 29-4 and 26 KOs.

The match ended dramatically when Joshua delivered a right hand that knocked Paul out, resulting in a broken jaw for the social media influencer. Following the fight, Paul took to social media, making light of his injury and expressing his determination to return to the ring.

Financial Success and Future Prospects

The event was co-promoted by Paul’s Most Valuable Productions and EverWonder, and it achieved the highest-grossing boxing gate in the history of the Kaseya Center. This financial success underscores the growing trend of celebrity boxing matches drawing significant audiences and revenue.

As the boxing world reflects on the outcome, questions arise about the future trajectory of Jake Paul’s boxing career. With a knack for generating headlines and viewership, Paul remains a compelling figure in the sport, and his next moves will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.