MIAMI — In the aftermath of Anthony Joshua’s headline boxing bout with Jake Paul, a former UFC middleweight champion has weighed in with a surprising critique of the heavyweight’s in-ring strategy.
Joshua emerged victorious by knockout in the sixth round of the bout, showcasing his power and experience in a widely watched event that drew intense global attention. While the result aligned with many expectations, the manner in which the fight unfolded has become a point of discussion among combat sports insiders.
The former UFC titleholder suggested that Joshua’s decision-making, especially in the early rounds, didn’t necessarily play to his strengths and “seemingly backfired in a sense.” This was not a comment about the final outcome, but rather about how the fight developed and how Joshua applied his tactics against Paul, a social media personality-turned-professional boxer who significantly stepped up in competition.
While Joshua eventually took control of the fight and secured the knockout, observers noted that the early rounds lacked the dominant offensive display some expected. Critics have pointed to tentative pacing, prolonged neutral exchanges, and a strategic approach that didn’t immediately overwhelm Paul. The former UFC champion’s remarks reflect that perspective, suggesting that Joshua may have misjudged how his initial strategy would unfold against an unorthodox opponent.
Nevertheless, Joshua’s experience and power ultimately proved decisive, with the British heavyweight delivering a stoppage blow late in the fight. The result reaffirmed his status as a formidable competitor in the sport, even as debate continues about how he executed his fight plan against Paul.