Jake Paul faces uncertain future after severe injury against Anthony Joshua
Eddie Hearn has issued a stark warning that Jake Paul’s boxing career could be finished following the devastating double jaw fracture he sustained against Anthony Joshua, reports BritPanorama.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer was knocked out by the two-time heavyweight world champion during their Netflix event in the early hours of Saturday morning, with Joshua delivering a powerful combination culminating in a right hand that sent Paul crashing to the canvas.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Hearn painted a bleak picture of Paul’s future in the sport: “He may never be able to fight again.” He elaborated that many fighters who have suffered similar injuries did not return to the ring. Hearn dismissed suggestions that the bout was staged, stating, “We’re not actors here. It was one hundred per cent real, there was never any strategy, any deal, any script.”
Following the knockout, Paul transported himself to hospital where he underwent surgery to repair the damage. He shared X-ray images revealing fractures on both sides of his jaw but remained defiant regarding his future, stating, “give me Canelo in 10 days”.
Despite the severity of the injury, Paul’s promoter, Nikisa Bidarian, offered a more optimistic outlook, suggesting a recovery period of between four and six weeks. He noted that such fractures are relatively common in combat sports, particularly in boxing and mixed martial arts.
In contrast, former boxer Chris Algieri described the double fracture as potentially career-altering, stating, “It’s a very bad injury. A double fracture on both sides, you’re going to lose teeth there too.” This stark assessment echoed sentiments about an extended absence from competition for the social media star, who had previously staged major events as often as twice annually.
The severity of the damage was such that Joshua felt compelled to apologise to Paul’s mother when he encountered her in the ring following the bout. As the boxing world grapples with this latest incident, it remains to be seen how Paul’s career will unfold after such a grave setback.
