Since suffering a brutal sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua on Dec. 19, 2025, Jake Paul has largely stayed out of the boxing spotlight. The loss reportedly left Paul with a broken jaw in two places, forcing him into recovery and putting his fighting future into question.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesPhoto by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Now, months later, Paul is making the media rounds again while promoting MVP’s massive Netflix MMA event headlined by the return of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano this Friday, May 15. During a lengthy interview with Ariel Helwani, Paul gave one of his most honest updates yet regarding his health and possible boxing return.
“I’m getting some new scans here in a couple of days of the jaw to get an update on the healing process,” Paul said. “We’ll see what my doctors say.”
The 29-year-old admitted the situation remains uncertain and even acknowledged that retirement has crossed his mind.
“Those thoughts have definitely come up,” Paul said when asked if fighting may no longer be worth it.
Paul also disclosed that his doctor does not want him to fight again, while adding that he may need a dental implant because of a missing tooth connected to the injury. Despite that, he still believes he has unfinished business in boxing.
“I’m not done. I can just feel it in my spirit, my soul, my heart that I have more fights left,” Paul said.
With an important medical appointment and new scans coming soon, the next few weeks could play a major role in determining what comes next for Paul and whether a return to the boxing ring is still realistic in 2026.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Boxing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
