SouthernWorldwide.com – Jake Paul’s most recent boxing match could very well mark the end of his career in the sport.
The popular YouTuber, who has transitioned into a professional boxer, faced former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December. Despite being a significant underdog, Paul managed to last until the sixth round of the bout.
However, during this fight, he sustained a broken jaw, an injury that has posed a serious threat to his continued participation in boxing.
Despite the severity of the injury, Nakisa Bidarian, the co-founder of Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, has indicated that the current plan is for Paul to return to the ring this year.
“I think his plan, our intention, is a 2026 return, but that will be predicated by how it all goes once he’s actually back in there getting hit in the face,” Bidarian stated.
This timeline comes with a significant caveat, as Paul himself has expressed that he might never box again. He recently shared with Ariel Helwani that the possibility of not returning to boxing is “definitely in the realm of possibility.”
Paul elaborated on the factors influencing his decision, explaining, “I think it just depends on how the bone heals, and then also there’s a tooth missing that I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to get an implant of some sort.” He added, “I don’t know how much time that’s going to add to things. But we just have to see and figure out what the smartest thing is for me.”
Despite the potential career-ending injury and the uncertainty surrounding his future, Bidarian emphasized that Paul harbors no regrets about stepping into the ring with an opponent as formidable as Anthony Joshua.
“And people ask me, do I regret it? Like, I can’t regret it. I’m there to facilitate. I don’t decide, right?” the promoter explained. “I never told him you should fight Anthony Joshua.”
Bidarian continued to defend Paul’s decision, stating, “And when he looks at it, of course, he doesn’t regret it. He created another massive moment for the sport. Got in there and tested himself against one of the most dominant heavyweights of the last 10 years and lasted longer than 18 of Anthony Joshua’s opponents and landed shots on Anthony Joshua.”
Paul’s professional boxing record currently stands at 12 wins and 2 losses. This includes a notable victory against Mike Tyson in November 2024.
