Paul pledges to steer clear of top-tier boxers following jaw fracture at hands of Joshua

American boxer Jake Paul has sworn off fighting heavyweights after his grueling loss to former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, which resulted in a broken jaw that necessitated multiple surgeries.

n

Paul, a natural cruiserweight, was knocked out by Joshua in the sixth round at the Kaseya Center in Miami on December 19, after being dropped four times before referee Christopher Young stopped the bout 1:31 into the round.

n

Joshua, who had a significant weight and height advantage over Paul, weighing nearly 27lb heavier and standing five inches taller, was the overwhelming favorite to win the fight.

n

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Paul revealed that the experience had taught him a valuable lesson, and he has no intention of stepping into the ring with an elite heavyweight again, stating "I just probably will not fight Olympic gold medal heavyweights anymore."

n

Paul confirmed on Instagram that his jaw had been fractured in two places, requiring surgery, the insertion of titanium plates, and the removal of several teeth, and he subsequently spent months away from training while his recovery was monitored.

n

Doctors needed to determine how well the fracture had healed before clearing Paul to return to training, but he now expects to resume full-contact training soon, and has already begun discussing potential opponents, including Nate Diaz, for a potential move into mixed martial arts.

n

Paul expressed his desire to pursue a career in MMA, saying "I want to do MMA" and revealed that a fight with Nate Diaz has been in the works for a long time, and "I think it is still on the table, so we will see what happens in the next year or two".

n

Paul also mentioned the possibility of a bout with former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, citing his amateur wrestling background in Ohio, and suggested that another boxing match, potentially against Floyd Mayweather, could still take place before any switch to MMA.

n

The win over Paul was Joshua's first since knocking out Francis Ngannou in February 2024, and improved his professional record to 29 wins and four losses, with 26 by knockout.

n

The victory has sparked talk of a potential future clash with fellow Briton Tyson Fury, although Fury has been retired since consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.