Anthony Joshua returned to the win column with a sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul in a highly-anticipated heavyweight boxing showdown on Friday night at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

The two-time former unified world heavyweight champion controlled the match after a cautious opening, using his size and experience to wear down the social-media-influencer-turned-boxer. Joshua scored multiple knockdowns in the later rounds, with the bout stopped after Paul failed to beat the referee's count.

British fighter Joshua, who entered the contest as a clear favorite, increasingly dictated the pace as the encounter progressed, turning the clash decisively in his favor.

Paul, 28, was taken to the hospital following the stoppage, where medical examinations confirmed fractures to his jaw. The American later underwent surgery involving the placement of titanium plates, and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks during his recovery.

The bout marked Joshua's first appearance in 15 months, following elbow surgery after his high-profile loss to Daniel Dubois in London. While not at peak sharpness, the victory allowed the 36-year-old to regain momentum and refocus on future high-profile opportunities.

The meeting with Paul drew widespread attention across the boxing world, and Joshua's knockout win reinforced his standing as a leading figure in the heavyweight division as he looks ahead to bigger challenges.