Jake Paul Targets Boxing Return After Recovering From Double Jaw Surgery

Jake Paul is reportedly targeting a return to the boxing ring toward the end of the year after undergoing a difficult recovery from a serious jaw injury suffered in his fight with Anthony Joshua.

Paul last competed in December 2025 when he stepped up to face the former two-time heavyweight champion in a high-profile crossover bout. The fight ended brutally, with Joshua stopping Paul by knockout in the sixth round. In the aftermath, Paul was hospitalized with a broken jaw that required immediate surgery, including the insertion of titanium plates and the removal of several teeth.

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A Complicated Recovery Process

The injury turned out to be more severe than initially thought. After the initial procedure, Paul later revealed that the screws and plates used to repair his jaw had shifted, forcing him to undergo a second surgery earlier in 2026.

Because of the severity of the injury, doctors advised the 29-year-old to take a cautious approach to recovery. Paul stated that the healing process would take several months and that he would not be able to resume full sparring immediately.

The setback temporarily halted his momentum in boxing, as the YouTuber-turned-fighter had been actively pursuing bigger matchups before the injury.

Change in Weight Class for Comeback

Paul has also suggested that his future bouts will likely take place at cruiserweight rather than heavyweight. The fight with Joshua highlighted the significant size and power difference between the two fighters, something Paul openly acknowledged after experiencing the former champion’s punching power.

Prior to the Joshua bout, Paul had been building a respectable professional boxing record while also expanding his promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions.