Jake Paul faces a potential end to his boxing career after a brutal knockout by Anthony Joshua. The December 2025 loss has raised concerns about his future in the sport.
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Milan, Italy - February 9: Jake Paul of United States of America cries of joy for his gilfried Jutta Leerdam of the Netherlands who won after the Women's 1000m Speed Skating event on day three of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Milano Speed Skating Stadium on February 9, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Henk Jan Dijks/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Trouble in paradise?
It has been nearly five months since YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul suffered the most brutal loss of his combat sports career, getting violently knocked out by former Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at Judgement Day on Dec. 19, 2025, inside Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida (watch highlights).
The knockout didn’t just hand Paul a loss — it may have permanently altered his future in boxing.
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show this week to promote MVP MMA 1, Paul revealed there is a legitimate possibility he may never fight again due to complications stemming from the jaw injuries he suffered against Joshua.
Jake Paul was violently knocked out by Anthony Joshua during their fight on December 19, 2025.
The knockout loss has raised serious concerns about the future of Jake Paul's boxing career, with indications that it could be permanently altered.
There is a real possibility that Jake Paul's recent loss could lead to the end of his boxing career.
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“Yeah, so I’m getting some new scans of my jaw in a couple of days to get an update on the healing process,” Paul said. “We’ll see what my doctor says to get a more accurate timeframe or can I even fight again — that’s definitely in the realm of possibility of things.
“It does feel a lot better as weeks and time goes by but I definitely need to get cleared first to be able to spar,” Paul continued. “You know I’m sort of staying in shape and enjoying some mitt work.”
Paul suffered a double jaw fracture during the sixth-round stoppage loss and required immediate surgery the following day. He later underwent a second corrective procedure in February and has already stated he likely won’t return until sometime in 2027 — if at all.
And according to Paul, his doctor isn’t exactly eager to see him back in the ring.
“We have to figure out the smartest thing for me,” Paul explained. “My doctor definitely doesn’t want me to fight.”
If Paul does eventually return, he says he won’t continue fighting at Heavyweight after bulking up for his recent bouts — though that statement gets a little murky considering he’s still openly interested in a showdown with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.
For now, though, “El Gallo” is simply hoping he can fight again at all.