YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul has opened up about the severe physical toll of his recent defeat to former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
The Brutal Aftermath of a Heavyweight Clash
In a candid update, Jake Paul admitted he is facing a difficult recovery after Anthony Joshua broke his jaw in two places during their controversial bout last month. The 28-year-old American revealed he has four metal plates implanted in his jaw following emergency surgery.
"The healing process has been a little bit tough," Paul stated. "I’m a little bit tired, it’s hard to sleep. I go onto the pillow and then my jaw twerks up to the left and I wake up." He was even forced to consume his Christmas dinner through a straw as a result of the injury sustained in the fifth-round knockout in Miami.
Suspension and a Shift in Rankings
The Florida Athletic Commission has suspended Paul indefinitely following the knockout loss. He must now be medically cleared before he can fight again in the state. This setback is compounded by a professional demotion; Paul has been removed from the WBA cruiserweight rankings entirely.
This erases any immediate path to a world title in that division, a goal that seemed plausible when he entered the rankings at number 14 last July. Despite these hurdles, sources suggest the 'Problem Child' is targeting a return to the ring in the summer of 2026.
Future Fights and Unfinished Business
Defiant in defeat, Jake Paul is already eyeing future contests. While many have advised him to return to the cruiserweight division, Paul has expressed interest in remaining in the heavyweight mix. Shortly after the Joshua fight, he surprisingly called out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou on his IMPAULSIVE podcast.
"I told everyone that I would do better than Francis and that Francis kinda got no chin," Paul claimed. "I'll fight Francis." This call-out comes despite Ngannou having previously turned down an offer to fight Paul.
The fight with Joshua itself materialised after Paul's planned November match with Gervonta Davis was cancelled due to Davis's legal issues. Paul's wish for a high-profile showdown was granted, but it ended in a brutal stoppage that has left a lasting physical mark.
