Over six months have passed since Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul, and there is a real possibility the American will not fight again professionally.
Ahead of his shot at Joshua, Paul consecutively defeated former world champions in Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez, a feat which reads better than it looks given both men were shadows of their former selves when the bouts took place.
However, against two-time heavyweight ruler, Joshua, Paul had no ace up his sleeve. There was no noticeable advantage in his favour and no real reason other than self-belief to expect anything other than a brutal defeat as he admirably stepped through the ropes in pursuit of a famous upset.
The fairytale did not come to fruition for ‘The Problem Child’. Instead, Paul was dealt a cruel serving of reality as Joshua closed the show in style and broke his jaw in two places in the sixth round, leaving the former YouTuber requiring surgery.
Since then, the 29-year-old superstar has underwent further surgery, and, in his latest update on the matter, admitted that there a real possible that the injury and potential complications may see him unable to fight again.
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Joshua showed little remorse, believing that he did what was asked of him by fight fans.
“That is what was asked of me when I took the fight, [to end Jake Paul’s boxing career,] and I think that I delivered.”
Whilst his body may not be prepared for a ring return, Paul’s mind remains undeterred, having recently revealed that he has sent a major offer to Canelo Alvarez, hoping to secure a showdown with the Mexican superstar next year. Doctors must first approved, which has no foregone conclusion.
He will remain in the sport, however, with promotional company MVP performing well and carving out a unique platform for female fighters.
