As Jake Paul fought Anthony Joshua in a boxing match on Friday night, the hype for the match understandably reached a significantly high level.
Unfortunately, though, the fight itself wasn't as entertaining as the lead-up, with Joshua knocking Paul out for the win. During the match, Paul appeared to do his best to stay alive, falling to the mat at time to avoid Joshua.
It was frustrating for many fans, including the referee, who told Paul to his face the blunt truth. The moment went viral as fans appreciated the referee's honesty in a moment that needed it.
Here's a look at how the moment unfolded.
MORE: Anthony Joshua knocks out Jake Paul in Miami
What did the referee say to Jake Paul?
The highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua featured some frustrating moments, as Paul hit the floor multiple times before Joshua eventually knocked him out in the sixth round.
Therefore, fans were disappointed by Paul's consistent lack of fight, which essentially delayed the inevitable.
Bro what the hell is going on @netflix this fight sucks jake Paul has spent more time resting im the floor than fighting 😂 he looks scared pic.twitter.com/9lu3lVXiA3
— Tuto🪁 (@eltuto98) December 20, 2025
Why did I just put on Jake Paul fight and witness him fall on the floor 5 times in 30 seconds?
— Los 🍇 (@LosPollosTV) December 20, 2025
Jake’s team: we just need you to stay up and stop falling
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) December 20, 2025
Jake Paul:
pic.twitter.com/7av6GcjxMP
That included the referee for the fight, Christopher Young, who told Paul to his face that fans were not interested in seeing him fall to the ground.
"The fans didn't pat to see this crap," he said. "If you're gonna fight, you're gonna fight, but fight within the rules.
“THE FANS DIDN’T PAY TO SEE THIS CRAP.”
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) December 20, 2025
THE REF TO JAKE PAUL AND ANTHONY JOSHUA 😨
LIVE NOW ONLY ON NETFLIX! #JakeJoshua pic.twitter.com/T56lwxTuEh
Who was the referee for the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua fight?
Young is a veteran boxing referee who's seen his share of fights and is a member of the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame, according to his X account.
FIGHT OF THE NIGHT?!?!🤯
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 24, 2025
Abass Baraou DROPS Tellez in the LAST 10 seconds!!#MVPFightNight1 | Live NOW on DAZN pic.twitter.com/2py4pRzDnW
In the end, Paul lasted six rounds with Joshua, a respectable showing considering his lack of experience. But the match itself wasn't as entertaining as the lead up.