American boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul says he had to have a second operation due to new issues from the jaw injury he suffered against Anthony Joshua, delaying his ambitions to make a comeback.
During his sixth-round stoppage loss against Joshua in December at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Paul sustained a double jaw fracture. The American claimed that his recuperation has taken an unexpected turn, despite his earlier plans to start exercising again later this year.
At a press conference for Ronda Rousey’s match against Gina Carano, Paul told reporters that the titanium plates and screws placed during his initial surgery started to come free, necessitating another corrective procedure in February.
“The doctor told me that it will take four, five, or six months to even be allowed to spar to evaluate how the bone is mending after my second operation. Thus, we may have a fight late this year or early next year,” Paul stated.
Due to the delay, if the 27-year-old’s recuperation proceeds according to plan, he will probably be sidelined far into 2027.
Paul acknowledged that Joshua’s punching power was significantly greater than what he had encountered in lighter divisions and indicated that he would forgo his aspirations to compete at heavyweight. It’s anticipated that his next fight will take place at cruiserweight.
Compared to people in my weight class, Joshua’s punches cause far more pain. Without a doubt, that’s what I’m greatest at, and I want to keep moving up the rankings and making some comments there,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Joshua is battling his own recuperation. According to Naija News, the former world champion has been recovering following a tragic vehicle accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29 that killed his close friends, longtime rehabilitation therapist Sina Ghami and personal trainer Kevin Ayodele.
The two-time heavyweight champion’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, plans for the British-Nigerian star to make a comeback to the ring in July while he receives extensive therapy for rib injuries.
