YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has opened up on the reasons behind his defeat to British heavyweight star Anthony Joshua following their highly anticipated bout in Miami on Friday night.

Paul, who bravely went six rounds with the former two-time world heavyweight champion, admitted that fatigue and poor cardio played a major role in his loss. Despite his resilience, the 28-year-old American was knocked down four times and left the ring with a fractured jaw after absorbing Joshua’s powerful punches.

Speaking after the fight, Paul praised Joshua’s performance and physical dominance, conceding that the weight and intensity of the contest took a toll on him.

“My [jaw] is definitely broken. But man, that was good,” Paul said in his post-fight interview via Metro UK.
“I love this, so I will come back and get a world championship belt at some point. I’m not surprised I lasted long against Joshua. I just got tired.

“It was just so much handling his weight. If I had better cardio, I could’ve maybe kept on fighting. But he did amazing and hits really hard.”

Opinion: A Loss That Still Signals Growth for Jake Paul

While the result went as many expected, Jake Paul’s performance deserves a measure of respect. Facing a seasoned heavyweight like Anthony Joshua was a massive leap from the influencer-driven bouts that once defined his boxing journey. Surviving six rounds against a fighter of Joshua’s calibre, even in defeat, is no small feat.

Paul’s admission about cardio highlights the reality check that comes with elite-level boxing — talent and confidence alone are not enough. Conditioning, experience, and ring intelligence often separate champions from contenders. Joshua, for his part, showed professionalism and restraint, using his size, power, and experience to control the fight without unnecessary risk.

For Paul, this loss could be a turning point rather than a setback. A fractured jaw and multiple knockdowns are harsh lessons, but they also underscore his commitment to the sport. If he truly addresses his conditioning and continues to test himself against credible opponents, his boxing journey may yet earn broader respect.

In the end, Joshua reaffirmed his class, while Paul proved he is no longer just a novelty act — but a fighter still learning the unforgiving realities of the ring.