News

Jake Paul Suffers Double Jaw Fracture in KO Loss To Anthony Joshua

Jake Paul’s leap into heavyweight boxing ended in a painful reality check Friday night, as former world champion Anthony Joshua stopped him in the sixth round and left him needing surgery for a jaw fractured in two places.

Paul confirmed the injury himself the next day, posting an X-ray on social media and writing that he suffered a “double broken jaw.” Then he jokingly called for a fight with Canelo Álvarez in 10 days. In another message from what appeared to be a hospital room, Paul told fans he was OK and thanked them for the support.

>SLIDESHOW: MOST INFAMOUS SPORTS MUGSHOTS & THE STORIES BEHIND THEM!

The bout, streamed on Netflix and promoted by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, turned sharply in Joshua’s favor as the rounds wore on. Joshua repeatedly found openings with power shots and scored multiple knockdowns before ending it with a clean punch that snapped Paul’s head back and dropped him for the final time.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

By Saturday, Paul said the operation “went smoothly, but the recovery won’t be quick.” He reported significant pain and stiffness. Doctors installed titanium plates and added that he had to stick to a liquids-only diet for at least a week

Joshua’s win was decisive, but the aftermath quickly shifted attention from the spectacle to the damage. Paul has built his boxing brand on bold callouts and fast turnarounds. This was a painful reminder to Paul that he is mortal. A broken jaw doesn’t care about timelines and whatever comes next. His return will start with healing, not hype.

Ed Middlecoff

Recent Posts

8-Time Pro Bowling Champion Jakob Butturff, Known As ‘Butters,’ Dies Unexpectedly At 32

Jakob Butturff, an eight-time Professional Bowlers Association Tour champion who called Arizona home, died unexpectedly…

16 hours ago

After Being Shot In the Chest For His Rolex, 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall Faces Season-Ending Injury

The San Francisco 49ers have confirmed that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will undergo season-ending surgery…

16 hours ago

Dillon Brooks Wants To Box Nemesis Jimmy Butler: ‘I Always Feel The Animosity’

Dillon Brooks has never been shy about the rivals he's made around the NBA, but…

16 hours ago

Chargers Legend Billy Ray Smith Jr. Dies At 64 After Battle With CTE-Related Dementia

Billy Ray Smith Jr., the College Football Hall of Fame linebacker who became one of…

3 days ago

Taysom Hill’s Saints Era Ends After Nine Seasons

Taysom Hill's nine-year run in the New Orleans Saints is over. The versatile utility man…

3 days ago

WNBA Deletes Its Own Post Showing Paige Bueckers & Angel Reese Making Illegal Bet On Their Game

The WNBA found itself in an awkward spot Wednesday night after posting — and then…

3 days ago