STWF Sports | Dec. 20, 2025 – Jake Paul will be sipping his Christmas dinner through a straw after undergoing surgery to repair a double jaw fracture suffered in his punishing sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua. The YouTuber-turned-boxer, who absorbed four knockdowns before the final right hand detonated, revealed he is in “lots of pain” following the operation — but insists he’s nowhere near finished with boxing. This dramatic event has left fans and commentators alike speculating about the implications for his career moving forward, and whether he will adapt his fighting style to avoid similar injuries in future bouts.

The Miami showdown was billed as Paul’s daring leap into true heavyweight waters, but Joshua’s power proved far too much. After being flattened repeatedly and rushed to hospital, Paul’s injuries were confirmed by X-ray — the decisive right hand from Joshua split his jaw in two places. This defeat marks a pivotal moment in Paul’s career, as many are now questioning how he will evolve as a fighter in the face of such adversity. Heavyweight boxing is known for its incredible power, and Paul’s decision to step into this realm has raised eyebrows among boxing purists.

Paul Provides Post-Surgery Update

In the post-fight analysis, many experts have highlighted the importance of defensive tactics in heavyweight boxing. For instance, fighters like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder utilize unique styles that emphasize head movement and counter-punching, elements that Paul may need to incorporate into his training regime if he plans to continue fighting at this level. The ability to evade powerful strikes could be critical to his longevity in the sport.

On Saturday, Paul shared an update from his hospital bed on X, telling fans:

“Just got out of surgery. Everything went smooth. Thanks for all the love. Lots of pain and stiffness. Gotta eat liquids for 7 days.”

He went on to thank the medical team at Miami University Hospital, praising neurosurgeon Arman Jahangiri and surgery resident Lori Valentino for their care.

The operation capped a brutal night for the 28-year-old, whose offense never truly arrived. Paul threw just 56 punches during the six-round contest, landing only 16. Joshua — operating with patience early and power late — connected with 48 of 146 punches, including the crushing shot that sealed the fight and sent Paul straight into emergency evaluation.

“My Jaw Is Definitely Broken” — Paul Reflects After the KO

Even before the X-ray confirmation, Paul knew something was wrong.

“I think my jaw is broken, by the way. It’s definitely broke,” he admitted moments after the loss. “That was a nice little a** whopping from one of the best to ever do it.”

Despite the damage, Paul appeared almost exhilarated by the experience — a perspective only he could deliver. This resonates with the mentality of a true athlete who relishes competition, regardless of the outcome. In an interview shortly after the fight, Paul said, “I love this s***… I got my a** beat, but that’s what this sport is about. I’m going to come back and keep on winning.” His passion for the sport clearly shines through, indicating that he is prepared to face the challenges ahead with resilience.

“I love this s***… I got my a** beat, but that’s what this sport is about. I’m going to come back and keep on winning.”

No Retirement Talk — Paul Plots Cruiserweight Run

Paul has been vocal about his desire to transition to cruiserweight, a weight class that may better suit his current physicality and skill set. This shift could allow him to leverage his strengths more effectively while minimizing the risk of sustaining injuries from heavier punches. In professional boxing, many fighters have found success after moving down in weight, as seen with champions like Canelo Alvarez, who achieved great things after transitioning through different weight classes.

While many questioned whether the defeat — and the injuries — would force Paul to reconsider his future, he quickly dismissed any notion of retirement. His time at heavyweight, however, appears to be over.

“Yeah, for sure I want to keep fighting,” he insisted. “We’re going to heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight and go for the cruiserweight world title.” This ambitious statement indicates that Paul is not just focused on recovery but is also strategically planning his return to the ring. Fans are eager to see how he will adapt his training and tactics to compete effectively at a new weight class.

The former Disney actor turned prizefighter said he will step away from training for a spell, acknowledging the grind of six active years in the sport.

“I’m going to take a little break,” he continued. “I’ve been going hard for six years. I’m going to take some time off.”

What’s Next?

Recovery and Future Plans

For now, Paul’s immediate future involves rest, recovery, and a week of liquid meals — a far cry from the Miami nightlife outside his hospital window. Joshua, meanwhile, moves closer to a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026.

But make no mistake: Jake Paul has no desire to fade from the spotlight. Broken jaw or not, he insists the story isn’t over. His determination to continue fighting has been well-documented, and fans are keen to see how he will bounce back after such a significant setback. He is exploring various avenues for his next fight, weighing options that could maximize his visibility and marketability in the boxing world.

And if his past six years have taught fans anything, it’s that Jake Paul loves nothing more than forcing the world to tune in again. Whether through controversial matchups or sensational comebacks, his journey in boxing continues to captivate audiences, and many are eager to see how he will re-emerge in the cruiserweight division. The resilience and tenacity he has shown thus far will be critical as he embarks on this new chapter of his career. All eyes will be on the comeback of Jake Pau.