Jake Paul has cast doubt over his boxing career, citing injuries sustained during his defeat to Anthony Joshua in December.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer suffered a broken jaw in two places during the fight, requiring the insertion of titanium plates and the removal of some teeth.
Extent of the Injuries
Paul went six rounds with Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, but the fight was stopped after repeated knockdowns.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Paul said he’s scheduled for new scans to assess the healing of his jaw. The results will determine a more accurate timeframe for his recovery, and potentially whether he can fight again.
Uncertain Future
“Most definitely. I think it just depends on how the bone heals, and then also there’s a tooth missing – I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to get an implant of some sort,” said Paul when asked if his boxing future is in doubt.
He 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.”
Despite the injuries, Paul said he is staying in shape, doing mitt work, and remains in the gym.
Return to Cruiserweight Unlikely?
Paul’s defeat by Joshua resulted in him dropping out of the WBA’s cruiserweight rankings.
Earlier this month, Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s partner at Most Valuable Promotions, indicated Paul was considering a return to cruiserweight.
Paul’s previous opponents have primarily been boxers past their prime or former mixed martial artists.
Paul started boxing professionally in 2020.
The boxer had two titanium plates fitted and some teeth removed after Joshua broke his jaw in two places during their heavyweight fight in Miami.
Paul said: “I’m getting some new scans in a couple of days, of the jaw, to get an update on the healing process. We’ll see what the doctors say.”
He added, “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.
“It does feel a lot better as weeks go by, but I definitely need to get cleared to be able to spar. I’m staying in shape and enjoying some mitt work. I’m always in the gym regardless.”
Paul said his boxing future depends on how his bone heals and the time required for a tooth implant.