Jake Paul is still recovering months after the most damaging loss of his boxing career, and the injury has left real uncertainty about whether he should fight again.
Paul suffered a sixth-round TKO defeat to former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua last December in Miami. During the fight, Paul broke his jaw in two places and later underwent surgery.
Paul Doubts His Boxing Future
The social media star turned boxer revealed that doctors inserted titanium plates into both sides of his jaw. He also lost several teeth during the recovery process.Paul said on “The Ariel Helwani Show:
Paul admitted he still has not been cleared to fully return to training.
“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 sort of staying in shape. I’m always in the gym, pretty much, regardless, just staying in shape and enjoying some mitt work.”
Doctors Urging Paul to Walk Away?
He added that the recovery timeline remains uncertain as doctors continue monitoring the healing process.
“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 a more accurate timeframe, or, can I even fight again? That is definitely in the realm of possibilities of things.”
Paul acknowledged that retirement discussions have become unavoidable since the injury.Paul said.
“I think it just depends on how the bone heals, and then also there’s like a tooth missing here. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to get an implanted tooth of some sort.”
Despite those concerns, Paul said he does not feel mentally ready to leave combat sports behind.
“I can just feel it in my spirit, in my soul and my heart that I have more fights left and unfinished business in my mind.”
Paul compared the injury to setbacks athletes face across all sports.
“Injuries are a part of any sport.”
“I definitely don’t feel like I’m done and want to keep on fighting.”
Paul Says Inner Circle Has Mixed Feelings
The 12-2 boxer said several people close to him have questioned whether continuing to fight is worth the risk.
“Definitely my doctor Arman, he doesn’t want me to fight again,” “He’s saying he doesn’t want me to.”
Paul also spoke about conversations with his fiancée, Dutch Olympic speed skater Jutta Leerdam.
“She understands being an athlete and having that feeling inside of you and wanting to prove yourself more and to compete and the love of that. ”
“But she also knows that I don’t have to fight and all of these things”
“(But) she has also mentioned the other side like, ‘You don’t actually need to do this.’ But she’s supportive of whatever decision I make.”
Before the Joshua loss, Paul built his boxing résumé with wins over several former MMA fighters, including Anderson Silva, while also taking high-profile fights against Tommy Fury and Joshua.