Joshua on Paul: “We have to give Jake credit for getting up again and again”

British former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua reflected on his victory over American influencer and boxer Jake Paul.

“First of all, I want to thank the fans and everyone who came out. I truly appreciate every person in this arena. It wasn’t my best performance. Nowhere near my best. The main goal was to get to Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him. That’s what was demanded of me beforehand, and it was constantly in my head.

It took a bit longer than I expected, but the right hand found its target. Jake Paul performed very well tonight. I want to give him credit. He kept getting up again and again. It was tough for him in the ring, but he kept looking for a way, he tried. That takes real courage.

Anyone who steps through the ropes and raises their gloves deserves respect. So we have to give Jake credit for getting up again and again. Fair play to him. But tonight he ran into real fire — a fighter coming off a 15-month layoff,” Joshua said.

On the night of December 20, Anthony Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) defeated Jake Paul (12-2, 7 KOs) by knockout in the sixth round. Before the stoppage, the American had already been down three times. Jake later revealed that he had suffered a broken jaw.