What’s Happening?
On December 19, 2025, one of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year finally happened. Anthony Joshua fought Jake Paul in Miami, and he dominated every facet of the fight, dropping Paul four times before the referee stopped it in round six. The YouTuber turned boxer never stood a chance against Joshua’s superior skill and power.
Joshua’s sixth-round knockout victory left Paul with two broken places in his jaw and needing surgery to repair the damage. A brutal and decisive end to a big hype fight.
The Injury: Worse Than Anyone Had Imagined
Paul was rushed to the hospital immediately following the game. The injury necessitated emergency surgery, during which doctors inserted two titanium plates on each side of his jaw to stabilize the fractures. Some of the teeth were removed during the procedure too. Even those in the medical profession who were familiar with combat sports found the extent of the damage shocking.
Paul had two jaw operations, one in February and one in March 2026, because of complications with a plate. It was supposed to take four to six weeks, but it became months.
Is Jake Paul Finished With Boxing?
Paul revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show in May 2026 that he is expecting to get scans in the next few days to see how his injury is healing—and hinted there is a possibility his last fight may have been his final walk to the ring.
But Paul has not formally retired. “I’m finally feeling healthy again,” he says, “and I want to make a comeback sooner than later. In a CBS Sports interview, he said his goal was to become a world heavyweight champion, despite the brutal setback.
Where does Jake Paul go from here?
ESPN has reported the 2023-24 season is a stretch for Paul, and his return is targeted for late 2026 or early 2027, pending medical clearance. Francis Ngannou is still the leading potential foe, although the UFC legend has previously turned the fight down.
The loss has also seen Paul drop out of the WBA cruiserweight rankings meaning he has to rebuild from scratch if he is to have any further title aspirations.
What’s next for Anthony Joshua?
Joshua was sharper than ever as he demolished Paul. AJ is clearly setting himself up for another world title shot in 2026 with a new training team linked to heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk’s corner crew. The win over Paul dominant as it was a statement: Joshua is back and serious.
Quick Facts
- Fight Date: Dec 19, 2025
- Location: Kaseya Center, Miami
- Anthony Joshua def. KO (Round 6)
- Record of Jake Paul: 12-2
- Injury: double fractured jaw, 2 surgeries
- Jake Paul’s next fight: Late 2026 / Early 2027 (unconfirmed)
- Next potential opponent for Paul: Francis Ngannou
Anthony Joshua made a huge statement. Jake Paul showed heart to step into the ring with a former world heavyweight champion, but the result was never really in doubt. Now the question is whether Paul’s body and his jaw will let him keep chasing his boxing dream. The upcoming scans will be crucial. Stay tuned.
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