Jake Paul has been taken to hospital after suffering a suspected fractured jaw following his defeat to former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Miami, United States. The bout, which lasted six rounds, marked one of the biggest tests of Paul’s boxing career and attracted global attention, including from Nigerian sports fans who closely follow international boxing.
The 28-year-old American, who rose to fame as a YouTuber before turning professional boxer, showed courage and determination during the contest. However, he was eventually overwhelmed by Joshua’s experience, size and punching power. The fight ended with Paul unable to continue competitively, prompting immediate medical attention after the final bell.
Following the bout, Paul expressed concern about the condition of his jaw, saying he believed it might be broken. His promoter, Nakisa Bidarian, later confirmed that doctors suspected a fracture and that Paul was taken to hospital for further examination. According to Bidarian, recovery could take between four and six weeks, depending on medical advice and how well Paul responds to treatment.
The fight was held in Miami and drew huge interest because it brought together two fighters from very different backgrounds. Anthony Joshua, a former Olympic gold medallist and multiple-time heavyweight world champion, is one of the most respected names in modern boxing. Jake Paul, on the other hand, represents a new generation of fighters who moved into boxing from social media and entertainment.
Joshua, who has faced and defeated some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division, used his reach, strength and technical skills to control most of the fight. From the opening round, it was clear that Joshua’s size advantage would play a major role. He kept Paul at a distance with sharp jabs and used his power to wear him down over the rounds.
Despite this, Paul refused to back down. He absorbed heavy punches and continued to press forward, earning some respect from fans and observers. His effort showed how seriously he now takes boxing, even when facing elite-level opponents.
Speaking after the fight, Paul remained positive despite the injury and the loss. He said he enjoyed the experience and still has a strong love for the sport.
“I feel good. It was fun, and I genuinely love this sport,” Paul said. He later shared images and videos on social media showing the physical impact of the fight, a move that sparked mixed reactions from fans. While some praised his toughness, others questioned his decision to face such a powerful heavyweight.
Paul also made it clear that he does not see the defeat as the end of his boxing journey. He explained that his plan is to rest, heal properly and return to the ring stronger. His long-term goal, he said, remains winning a world title in the cruiserweight division, which is closer to his natural weight.
“We’ll heal the jaw, come back stronger and fight opponents in my weight class,” Paul said. “Anthony Joshua is a great champion. I lost, but that’s part of boxing. I’ll return and keep pushing forward.”
The YouTuber-turned-boxer also reflected on what went wrong during the fight. He admitted that fatigue was a major factor, especially when dealing with Joshua’s size and weight.
“I got tired trying to manage his size and weight,” Paul said. “With better conditioning, I think I could have lasted longer. I gave it everything I had.”
Jake Paul began his boxing career amid heavy criticism, with many fans and former fighters dismissing him as a celebrity seeking attention. However, over the years, he has trained seriously, taken on tougher opponents and gradually earned some respect within the sport. His willingness to face Anthony Joshua, even outside his usual weight class, is seen by supporters as proof of his commitment.
Anthony Joshua’s victory further strengthens his position as one of boxing’s biggest stars. The British fighter has been working to rebuild his career after recent setbacks and losses in the heavyweight division. Defeating Paul, though not a title fight, keeps him active and visible while he continues to pursue another chance at world championship glory.
For Nigerian boxing fans, the fight highlighted the gap between elite professional boxers and newer entrants to the sport. Nigeria has produced notable boxers in the past, and interest in global boxing events remains strong. Many local fans followed the bout closely, debating whether Paul was ready for such a challenge and praising Joshua’s professionalism.
The incident has also reopened discussions about safety in boxing, especially when fighters move between weight classes. Boxing experts often warn that weight differences can increase the risk of injury, even when both fighters are well-trained. Paul’s injury is likely to be used as an example of why careful matchmaking is important.
As Paul recovers in hospital, attention will turn to his next steps. Doctors are expected to advise him on how long he should stay away from the ring. A broken jaw usually requires rest and careful monitoring to avoid long-term damage.
Paul’s team has said they will follow medical advice before making any decisions about future fights. While there is no official date for his return, his comments suggest he is eager to continue his boxing journey once fully healed.
