Paul, 28, was unable to beat the count following a series of knockdowns as the former two-time heavyweight world champion asserted his dominance over six rounds. The American hit the canvas twice in the fifth and sixth rounds before the referee waved the contest off.
Jake Paul is an American YouTuber-turned-professional boxer who made his pro debut in 2020 and has become one of the sport’s most controversial crossover figures.
Speaking briefly after the fight, Paul said he believed his jaw was “definitely” broken. He later missed the post-fight news conference, with his promoter confirming he had gone to hospital for checks.
“We think he broke his jaw, but he’s fine,” said Nakisa Bidarian, chief executive of Most Valuable Promotions. “He took a shower and drove himself to hospital. A broken jaw is very common in combat sports. The recovery time is usually four to six weeks.”
Paul entered the bout as a heavy underdog, with critics questioning the size and experience gap between the fighters. Joshua, a seasoned heavyweight, was facing an opponent who has spent most of his boxing career at cruiserweight and only turned professional in 2020.
Despite the defeat, Paul said he plans to continue boxing but will step away temporarily to recover.
“We’ll heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight,” Paul said. “I’m going for the cruiserweight world title. I’m going to take a little break — I’ve been going hard for six years.”
Joshua’s win further fuelled debate over Paul’s unconventional boxing journey, which has seen him move from YouTube stardom into high-profile professional bouts. Only months ago, the idea of Paul sharing a ring with Joshua appeared unlikely, yet the matchup went ahead amid global attention.
Before the loss, Paul had been campaigning at cruiserweight and was recently ranked by the World Boxing Association. A return to that division now appears the most likely next step once he is medically cleared to compete, potentially in 2026.
Bidarian said Paul would require medical clearance before resuming training or competition. Possible future opponents mentioned by Paul and his team include fellow cruiserweights, a long-mooted rematch with Tommy Fury, or even a blockbuster bout with four-weight world champion Saul Canelo Alvarez, though no talks have been confirmed.
Joshua, meanwhile, continues his comeback following recent setbacks, reinforcing his status as a leading heavyweight with a decisive victory over one of oxing’s most unconventional figures.
