Jake Paul has opened up about the uncertainty surrounding his boxing future following the brutal jaw injury he suffered in his knockout loss to Anthony Joshua.
Paul suffered the devastating defeat back in December after stepping up massively in competition against the former heavyweight champion. Although many expected the fight to end quickly, Jake Paul managed to survive deeper into the contest before Joshua cornered him and landed the fight-ending shot that left him with a broken jaw.
Since then, Jake Paul has undergone surgery and focused on recovery, but he now admits there is still no guarantee he will ever compete again.
“I’m getting some new scans here in a couple of days of the jaw to get an update on the healing process,” Jake Paul said during an interview with Ariel Helwani.
“We’ll see what my doctors say. I think we’ll be able to get a more accurate timeframe, or can I even fight again? That is definitely in the realm of possibilities.
“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. I’m staying in shape and enjoying some mitt work.”
When asked directly if the injury could potentially end his boxing career, Jake Paul admitted that possibility is very real.
“Most definitely,” Paul said. “I think it just depends on how the bone heals. There’s also a tooth missing here, and I’m pretty sure I’ll have to get some sort of implanted tooth.
“We just have to see and figure out what the smartest thing is for me.”
Jake Paul also revealed that some people close to him, including medical professionals, have already advised him to walk away from boxing permanently.
“Definitely my doctor Arman,” Paul said. “He doesn’t want me to fight again. He’s saying he doesn’t want me to.
“There’s the occasional business person who says, ‘You don’t need to do this.’ My fiancée is kind of in both boats. She understands being an athlete and wanting to compete, but she also knows I don’t actually need to fight anymore.”
Despite the concerns, Jake Paul insists he still feels like he has unfinished business inside the ring.
“Those thoughts have definitely come up, but I’m not done,” Paul explained. “I can feel it in my spirit, in my soul and my heart that I have more fights left.
“Injuries are part of any sport. I definitely don’t feel like I’m done and want to keep on fighting.”
If Jake Paul never competes again, he would end his boxing career with a 12-2 professional record. During his run in the sport, he picked up high-profile wins over names such as Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz, Mike Perry, and Ben Askren.
For now, Jake Paul says his immediate focus remains on recovery and waiting for medical clearance before making any final decisions about his future in boxing.
