YouTube star and professional boxer Jake Paul faces a lengthy recovery consuming only liquids after Anthony Joshua broke his jaw during their high-profile bout in Miami. The British heavyweight star secured a brutal knockout victory over the American on Friday evening, 20th December 2025, leaving Paul with a significant injury that required immediate surgery.
Gruesome Injury Confirmed After Sixth-Round Knockout
The fight at a packed Miami venue came to a dramatic end in the sixth round when Joshua landed a series of powerful blows, forcing the referee to stop the contest. Paul was visibly bloodied and in clear distress. He was subsequently absent from the post-fight press conference, unable to fulfil his media duties due to the severity of the injury.
Paul later took to social media to share an X-ray image, which clearly showed his jawbone had been shattered in two places. Alongside the graphic scan, he wrote: "Double broken jaw. Give me Canelo in 10 days," displaying a defiant attitude despite the serious setback.
Surgery and a Liquid Diet Ahead
In a more detailed update, Paul confirmed he had undergone successful corrective surgery. He will be forced to eat through a straw and consume a liquid-only diet for at least the next week as he begins his recovery.
"Just got out of surgery. Everything went smooth," Paul stated. "Thanks for all the love. Lots of pain and stiffness. Gotta eat liquids for 7 days. S/o to the amazing team at Miami University hospital. Everyone was so gracious and caring."
Nikisa Bidarian, CEO of Paul's promotion company Most Valuable Promotions, sought to downplay the long-term implications, noting: "He's fine. He drove himself to the hospital. A broken jaw's very common in sports, particularly in boxing or MMA." He indicated that the expected recovery time from medical professionals is four to six weeks.
What's Next for Paul and Joshua?
Despite the devastating loss and painful injury, Jake Paul has already signalled his intent to continue his boxing career. In a post-fight interview, he admitted: "I'm feeling good, that was fun... I got my ass beat but that's what this sport's about." He outlined a plan to heal, fight someone in his weight class, and then target a cruiserweight world title, though he acknowledged he would be taking a break after six intense years in the sport.
For Anthony Joshua, the victory propels him forward. Immediately after the fight, he called out fellow British heavyweight and rival Tyson Fury, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster domestic clash. As of now, the 37-year-old Fury has yet to publicly respond to the challenge.
The bout has once again highlighted the extreme risks of professional boxing, where a single punch can lead to life-altering injuries, even for high-profile crossover stars like Jake Paul.
