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Jake Paul stopped for first time in boxing career
YouTube star Jake Paul endured his first professional defeat by stoppage after Anthony Joshua broke his jaw in two places during their heavyweight bout in Miami on Saturday.
Fight details and injury
The 28-year-old Paul, who transitioned from social media to boxing, lasted six rounds against the two-time former heavyweight champion before the referee halted the contest. Paul was knocked down twice in the fifth and sixth rounds and failed to rise before the count concluded.
Post-fight, Paul confirmed suspicions of a broken jaw, later sharing an X-ray on social media that revealed fractures in two locations. He was absent from the post-fight press conference due to the injury but joked he could face Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez "in 10 days."
"A broken jaw is very common in sports, particularly in boxing or MMA. The recovery time is four to six weeks."
Nakisa Bidarian, Most Valuable Promotions chief
Paul's performance and criticism
Entering the ring as a significant underdog, Paul relied on speed and footwork to evade Joshua's power punches. The match drew criticism for the stark contrast in experience and weight between the fighters, with Paul competing well above his usual cruiserweight division.
Despite the loss, Paul remained defiant, stating his intention to return to cruiserweight and pursue a world title. "We will heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight," he said. "I'm going to take a little break. I've been going hard for six years."
Future plans and potential opponents
Paul's promoter, Most Valuable Promotions, revealed he drove himself to the hospital post-fight for medical evaluation. With a recovery timeline of four to six weeks, Paul's return to the ring in 2026 could see him target the WBA cruiserweight rankings, where he currently sits at 15th.
Undefeated Manchester boxer Pat Brown, ranked above Paul, emerges as a potential opponent. Alternatively, Paul reiterated his interest in facing four-weight world champion Canelo Alvarez, one of the sport's biggest active names. A rematch with Tommy Fury, who handed Paul his only other professional loss, also remains a possibility.
Career trajectory and impact
Since his 2020 professional debut, Paul has built a reputation for defying expectations and disrupting boxing's traditional landscape. His bout against Joshua, once considered unlikely, marked a significant milestone in his unconventional career.
The WBA had previously ranked Paul 14th in the cruiserweight division in July, though he has since dropped one spot. His next steps will likely focus on reclaiming his position and pursuing a world title in his preferred weight class.
