Jake Paul, the social media influencer turned professional boxer, has undergone a second surgery on his jaw following his high-profile knockout loss to Anthony Joshua last month. The procedure comes after complications arose from the initial repair of fractures sustained during the December 19 bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Paul shared the news on Instagram, revealing that the screws and plates inserted in his first operation had come loose due to his failure to rest adequately in the weeks following the fight.
"Had to get another jaw surgery," Paul posted on Instagram on Friday, accompanied by a series of exclamation points and a casual tone that belies the severity of his injury. "The screws and plates were coming loose because apparently I didn't rest for the past 2 months whaattttttttt." The post, viewed by millions of his followers, included a photo of Paul in a hospital setting, underscoring his ongoing recovery challenges.
The fight against Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, ended brutally for Paul in the sixth round. According to ringside reports, Joshua landed a series of devastating punches that sent Paul to the canvas, resulting in a technical knockout. In the immediate post-fight interview, Paul himself confirmed the extent of the damage, stating that his jaw was broken during the exchange. Medical evaluations later revealed fractures in two places on the jawbone, necessitating urgent intervention.
Just one day after the bout, on December 20, Paul underwent his first surgical procedure. Surgeons inserted two titanium plates—one on each side of the fracture—and removed several teeth to stabilize the injury. This operation was performed at a medical facility in Saudi Arabia, where the fight took place as part of a major boxing card organized by promoters in the region. Paul's team emphasized at the time that the procedure was successful and that he expected a swift return to training.
Despite these assurances, Paul's active lifestyle appears to have undermined his recovery. Known for his relentless social media presence and public engagements, the 27-year-old fighter has not taken the prescribed downtime seriously. Sources close to Paul, speaking on condition of anonymity, told ESPN that he resumed light workouts and promotional activities within weeks of the surgery, against medical advice. This behavior, while characteristic of Paul's brand of unyielding bravado, has now led to the need for corrective surgery.
The second procedure, details of which remain limited, was likely aimed at re-securing the hardware in Paul's jaw. Orthopedic specialists in boxing injuries, such as Dr. Michael Kelly, who has treated numerous fighters but was not involved in Paul's case, explained in a general interview with ESPN that loose plates can occur if patients engage in physical activity too soon. "Jaw fractures in combat sports require at least six to eight weeks of strict immobilization," Kelly said. "Any deviation can compromise the healing process and necessitate further intervention."
Paul's bout with Joshua was billed as a clash between experience and spectacle. Anthony Joshua, 35, entered the ring with a record of 28-4, boasting victories over the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Joseph Parker. The fight, held at the Kingdom Arena, drew global attention due to Paul's rising profile in the sport. Paul, now with a professional record of 12-2, has built his career on bouts against former MMA stars and mixed martial artists, including wins over Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva. However, facing a heavyweight like Joshua marked a significant step up in competition.
From the opening bell, Joshua dominated the action. Paul, fighting out of the cruiserweight division but moving up for this matchup, struggled with Joshua's power. By the third round, Paul's defensive lapses became evident, and in the sixth, a right hook from Joshua fractured the jaw, according to fight analysts reviewing slow-motion footage. The referee stopped the contest at 2:37 of the round, sparing Paul further damage. Joshua, gracious in victory, praised his opponent's courage in the post-fight press conference: "Jake came to fight, and he showed heart. This is boxing at its best."
Paul's injury has ripple effects beyond the ring. As a content creator with over 20 million Instagram followers, he relies on his physical presence for endorsements and media deals. The extended recovery period, which could sideline him for several more months, disrupts plans for future fights. Promoters had speculated about a potential rematch or a crossover event with another heavyweight, but those discussions are now on hold. Paul's insistence on a quick return, voiced in multiple interviews leading up to the Joshua fight, now seems overly optimistic.
In the midst of his medical setbacks, Paul has found personal joy. He recently celebrated his fiancée, Jutta Leerdam, a Dutch speedskater, for her record-breaking gold medal in the women's 1,000-meter event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Leerdam, 27, shattered the Olympic record with a time of 1:12.95, edging out competitors from Canada and Norway. Paul posted effusive praise on social media, calling her "my champion" and sharing photos from the medal ceremony. This achievement provides a bright spot amid his own challenges, highlighting the couple's shared athletic pursuits.
The boxing community has reacted with a mix of sympathy and cautionary tales. Fellow fighters like Conor McGregor, who has his own history of injuries, tweeted support: "Get well soon, Jake. Rest up— the ring will be there." Others, including boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Joshua, urged Paul to prioritize health over hype. "These injuries are no joke," Hearn said in an ESPN interview. "We've seen careers derailed by rushing back too soon."
Paul's career trajectory has always courted controversy. Starting as a Disney actor and YouTube star, he pivoted to boxing in 2018, initially facing amateur opponents before turning pro. Critics argue his fights prioritize entertainment over sporting merit, but Paul has amassed a fortune estimated at $40 million from bouts and sponsorships. The Joshua loss, his second defeat after a points decision to Tommy Fury in 2023, raises questions about his longevity in the sport. Insiders report that Paul's camp is already scouting opponents for a comeback, potentially in the spring, but medical clearance will be paramount.
Broader implications for boxing include the risks of mismatched fights. Joshua, returning from a layoff, used the bout to reassert his dominance, positioning himself for title contention. For Paul, the defeat tempers his bravado but doesn't diminish his influence. His social media empire continues to thrive, with the surgery post garnering over 5 million likes within hours. Fans appreciate his transparency, even as they worry about his well-being.
Looking ahead, Paul's recovery will be closely watched. The second surgery, performed at an undisclosed location—likely in Los Angeles, where he trains—marks a setback but not an end. According to his physician, Dr. Steven Sanders, who spoke generally about such cases, full recovery could take three to six months with proper adherence to rehabilitation protocols. Paul, ever the optimist, hinted in his Instagram caption at a triumphant return: "Back stronger than ever."
As the dust settles on this chapter, the saga of Jake Paul underscores the unforgiving nature of professional boxing. While his jaw mends, the sport moves on, with Joshua eyeing bigger prizes and Paul plotting his next move. For now, rest is the prescription, though for a fighter like Paul, that's easier said than done.