Jake Paul suggests he could be forced to retire as doctor issues warning over Anthony Joshua injury

Jake Paul’s future in combat sports is hanging in the balance.

Paul took a risk too far in his last outing against heavyweight powerhouse Anthony Joshua.

AFP

He was badly beaten in December and had his jaw shattered in a brutal KO defeat.

The American YouTube-turned-fighter was forced to have corrective surgery and has already had an extensive spell on the sidelines.

He has returned to the gym but is unable to spar, and is awaiting clearance to try and make a comeback before the end of 2026.

But in a new update, the ‘Problem Child’ has suggested he may not be cleared to fight again.

He explained on Uncrowned: “I’m getting some new scans here in a couple of days of the jaw to get an update on the healing process.

“We’ll see what my doctors say. I think I’ll be able to get more accurate timeframe or can I even fight again? That is definitely in the realm of possibilities of things.

“It does feel a lot better as weeks go by and time goes by. But I definitely need to get cleared first to be able to spar but I am sort of staying in shape.

“I’m always in the gym pretty much regardless. Just staying in shape and enjoying some mitt work.

“Most definitely [there’s a chance I can’t fight again]. I think it just depends on how the bone heals, and then also there’s a tooth missing here that I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to get an implanted tooth of some sort.

“I don’t know how much time that’s going to add to things. But we just have to see and figure out what the smartest thing is for me.”

AFP

If Paul returns – who would he fight?

Paul may now struggle to return at heavyweight given how he fared against one of the most-heavy handed operators.

The American’s remit was previously at cruiserweight where he fared better, and was never knocked out.

Several fights outside of the division could be more financially tempting including a clash with Francis Ngannou.

And his business partner Nakisa Bidarian reveals that would be the most likely option alongside a return to 200lbs.

He said: “I think his focus is on cruiserweight, outside of a potential boxing match against Francis Ngannou.

“His goal is to return before year-end.”

Boxing schedule

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