Jake Paul gives candid health update after breaking his jaw in brutal heavyweight loss to Anthony Joshua

21 December 2025

Jake Paul. Credit : Jake Paul/Instagram

In the aftermath of one of the most high-profile crossover boxing matchups in recent memory, Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-professional boxer, has offered fans a detailed and candid update on his recovery following a serious injury sustained in his December 19 bout against former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. Paul took to social media to share the latest on his condition and to thank supporters as he begins what is expected to be a challenging rehabilitation process. The comments come after Paul was knocked out in the sixth round of the fight at the Kaseya Center in Miami, where a powerful right hand from Joshua left him with a broken jaw in two places, requiring immediate medical attention.

In an Instagram update shared with millions of followers, Paul revealed that he had undergone surgery to address the fractures in his jaw and that doctors had inserted two titanium plates to stabilise the bones. During the procedure, Paul said that some teeth had to be removed as part of the repair process, an unexpected element of the injury that added to the significance of the operation. Despite the severe nature of his injuries, Paul struck a tone of gratitude in his post, expressing appreciation to the medical staff at Miami University Hospital and to fans around the world who have reached out with messages of support. He also acknowledged that the pain has been intense and that he is currently on a liquid diet for at least seven days as his jaw heals and swelling subsides.

The injury was a stark reminder of the physical risks inherent in boxing, particularly in a bout that drew widespread attention for its David-versus-Goliath narrative. Paul, who weighed roughly 30 pounds less than Joshua at the official weigh-in, lasted into the sixth round before Joshua’s experience and size advantage became decisive. The British heavyweight landed repeated punishing blows that culminated in the final right hand that put Paul down and prompted the referee to stop the fight, handing the influencer his first knockout defeat in professional boxing. The damage inflicted on Paul’s jaw was confirmed by imaging, and his post-fight hospitalisation underscored the seriousness of the situation.

In his health update, Paul did not shy away from the reality of his condition. He described the pain and stiffness associated with the surgery and candidly noted the inconvenience of being limited to liquids, a diet restriction that will remain in place while the bone heals and the surgical work settles. His willingness to detail the physical toll of the injury was met with an outpouring of support from fans, fellow athletes and even figures within boxing who respect the courage it takes to step into the ring with a seasoned former champion. The shared narrative of resilience resonated with many who have followed Paul’s journey from internet personality to headline-drawing boxer.

Despite the severity of the injury, Paul remained optimistic about his future in the sport. In previous remarks following the bout, he hinted at a return to his natural weight class at cruiserweight, where the physical differences between him and potential opponents would be less pronounced. Paul’s confidence in his ability to return to competition reflects his broader competitive spirit and ambition within the sport of boxing, where he has continued to attract attention for taking on challenges that many believed were beyond his capabilities. His recent fight against Joshua was criticised by some pundits as a mismatch, given the gulf in experience, but others acknowledged the spectacle it created and the spotlight it placed on combat sports in the streaming era.

The recovery timeline for fractures of this nature typically spans several weeks, with rest and rehabilitation essential to ensuring that the bones mend properly and that the patient can eventually return to normal function. Paul’s surgery appears to have been successful, but the follow-up period will be crucial in determining how quickly he can resume training and whether he will be able to fight again at the level he aspires to reach. Medical experts emphasise that injuries involving titanium plates and dental removal require careful monitoring to avoid complications and to maintain the structural integrity of the jaw as it heals. Paul’s openness about his condition has helped demystify part of this process for his followers, many of whom may not fully understand the medical realities of such an injury.

The fight itself was broadcast globally on Netflix, a high-profile showcase that drew eyeballs from both boxing aficionados and mainstream audiences, further cementing Paul’s status as a polarising yet undeniably influential figure in the sport. Although the bout did not go his way, the financial rewards were reportedly substantial, and the conversation it sparked about crossover fighters and the evolving landscape of professional boxing continues to reverberate across media and social platforms. Paul’s own recovery narrative adds another chapter to that discussion, highlighting the physical costs that can accompany even well-publicised and lucrative fights.

As Paul continues to share updates and engage with fans, his health remains a central focus for supporters and critics alike. Many have expressed hope that he will make a full recovery and return to the ring, while others have echoed caution about the rigours of boxing and the importance of prioritising long-term well-being over short-term spectacle. For now, Paul’s message strikes a balance between realism and determination, acknowledging the current challenges while signalling an enduring commitment to his athletic ambitions. His recovery journey is likely to remain a topic of interest in the boxing world as the calendar turns toward 2026 and discussions about his next steps take shape.