Jake Paul hospitalised after knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in Miami

By Johnson Arua

American boxer and social media star Jake Paul was taken to hospital in the early hours of Friday after suffering a knockout defeat to former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in their highly publicised bout in Miami.

Paul, who stepped up to heavyweight for the clash, lasted six rounds before being stopped by Joshua following a punishing sequence of knockdowns. The 28-year-old was floored twice across the fifth and sixth rounds as Joshua’s power and experience proved decisive.

Speaking briefly after the fight, Paul expressed concern about the extent of his injuries, revealing that his jaw was “definitely” broken. He later missed the scheduled post-fight press conference, with his promotional team confirming he had gone for medical checks.

Most Valuable Promotions chief executive Nakisa Bidarian said Paul travelled to the hospital on his own.

“We think he broke his jaw, but he’s fine,” Bidarian said. “He took a shower and drove himself to hospital. A broken jaw is very common in boxing or MMA. Recovery usually takes four to six weeks.”

Paul entered the contest as a heavy underdog and attempted to counter Joshua’s size and strength with movement and speed. Despite moments of resistance, the disparity in natural weight and elite-level experience became evident, prompting criticism in some quarters over the perceived mismatch.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer, who has spent most of his professional career campaigning at cruiserweight, has already signalled a return to the division.

“We will heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight,” Paul said. “I’m going for the cruiserweight world title. I’m going to take a little break, I’ve been going hard for six years.”

Only months ago, a bout between Paul and Joshua appeared unlikely, but the fight added another unconventional chapter to Paul’s career. Before moving up to heavyweight, Paul had been ranked 14th by the World Boxing Association (WBA) at cruiserweight, slipping one place in recent months.

Once medically cleared to resume competition in 2026, Paul is expected to target opponents ranked above him, with a return to cruiserweight seen as the most realistic path toward a title challenge.

He has also continued to express interest in high-profile fights, including a potential rematch with Tommy Fury and a long-mooted showdown with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.