Jake Paul had extra reason to celebrate Christmas this year, as he issued an important health update in the aftermath of that painful defeat by Anthony Joshua.
The 28-year-old ‘Problem Child’ suffered the second loss of his pro boxing career when he was knocked out by two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua (29-4) in Miami on December 19.
In the immediate aftermath of the fight – which drew more than 33million viewers on streaming platform Netflix – Paul revealed that he had broken his jaw in two places. He later underwent surgery and was left eating and drinking through a straw.
READ MORE: Jake Paul vs Joshua punch stats reveal the shocking truth
A few days on from that treatment, Paul issued a further bulletin on his health, and this time it was better news as he provided another important update.
Jake, writing on social media, said: “God is great. Broken jaw but brain and spine is clear. Never been more motivated. Merry Christmas to all around the world. Never stop trying to be great. You are guaranteed 100% failure if you don’t try.”
What is next for Jake Paul?
Now of course talk will turn to what comes next for Jake, will he continue his pro boxing career? And if so, how? First of all he will need to rehab, with experts suggesting he could be out of action for six months before that jaw is fully healed and he is ready to fight again.
Paul is now 12-2 with 7 wins coming inside distance, and the first of his two losses coming against ‘Love Island’ star Tommy Fury.
It is likely there are still some very big money fights out there for Jake (he reportedly earned significantly north of £50million for his night’s work vs Joshua). Notably a rematch with Fury or perhaps down further in weight against the likes of ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Whatever happens, Paul says he is done at heavyweight after realising that moving up to face the man mountain that is Joshua was a step too far.
What is next for Anthony Joshua?
Joshua reportedly now has a two-fight deal with Saudi Arabia worth north of £100million. The first of those bouts is loosely scheduled for February 14 in Riyadh, but that date obviously depends on whether he gets a clean bill of health following the Paul fight.
One opponent mentioned as a possible foe for February 14 is world kickboxing great Rico Verhoeven – the Dutchman has been whispered as another crossover match for AJ.
Joshua’s second fight of 2026 is almost certain to be that long-awaited all-British blockbuster vs Tyson Fury. Potentially at London’s Wembley Stadium in September.
Right now, Joshua has no titles. He failed in his bid to become a three-time world heavyweight champion when knocked out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024.
Good question and it is a complex answer. The widely recognised champion is Oleksandr Usyk, who holds all of the belts except one. That is the WBO title, owned by Britain’s Fabio Wardley after Usyk vacated it.
The pair both took home more than £50million each for a fight which drew more than 33million fans to watch it on Netflix.
