Jake Paul has acknowledged that his boxing career is “most definitely” in jeopardy following the severe injuries he sustained during his knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua.
The 29-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer suffered catastrophic damage to his jaw when the former heavyweight world champion stopped him in Miami last December.
Paul revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that he will undergo fresh scans within days to assess how his injuries are healing.
“We’ll see what the doctors say,” Paul explained. “I think I’ll be able to get a more accurate timeframe, or can I even fight again? That is definitely in the realm of possibility.”
Jake Paul was beaten by Anthony Joshua after a technical knockout in the sixth round | REUTERS
The bout at the Kaseya Center saw Joshua break Paul’s jaw in two places during their heavyweight contest, which ended when the American failed to beat the count following repeated knockdowns in the sixth round.
Paul subsequently required major surgery, with medical teams inserting two titanium plates to stabilise the fractured bone.
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The former child star also lost teeth during the fight and will need dental implants as part of his recovery.
Complications arose during the initial healing period, forcing Paul to undergo a second surgical procedure after problems developed with the hardware that had been fitted.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his condition, Paul indicated that his jaw is gradually improving.
Anthony Joshua stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round back in December
| REUTERS
“It does feel a lot better as weeks go by, but I definitely need to get cleared to be able to spar,” he said. “I’m sort of staying in shape and enjoying some mitt work. I’m always in the gym regardless.”
The missing tooth presents an additional complication that could extend his time away from the ring.
“There’s a tooth missing that I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to get an implant of some sort,” Paul added. “I don’t know how much time that’s going to add to things. But we just have to see and figure out what the smartest thing is for me.”
Paul’s own doctor has advised him against returning to the ring, though the fighter remains determined to continue.
“My doctor Arman. Shout out to Arman. He doesn’t want me to fight again!” Paul revealed.
Nevertheless, he insisted he has unfinished business in boxing. “Those doubts have come up, but I’m not done,” he said. “I can just feel it in my spirit and my soul, and my heart that I have more fights left.”
Jake Paul shared a picture of his X-ray on social media following his devastating defeat to Anthony Joshua | INSTAGRAM
The defeat dropped Paul’s professional record to 12-2, with his only victory against a recognised boxer coming against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Joshua, meanwhile, is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on 25 July before a highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury later this year.
