Jake Paul has candidly admitted that he learned a hard lesson after facing Anthony Joshua, seven months after the British heavyweight star broke his jaw in a professional boxing match. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Paul acknowledged that the experience was a wake-up call, prompting him to reconsider the level of opposition he takes on in the ring.
In December, Joshua stopped Paul in six rounds at the Kaseya Center in Miami, marking the second loss of Paul's professional career. The only previous defeat came at the hands of Tommy Fury, Tyson Fury's half-brother, in 2023. Since the Joshua fight, Paul has focused on recovering from a fractured jaw, but now he is ready to return to action.
Paul's future plans: MMA and careful matchmaking
Paul, 29, revealed that he expects to be cleared for sparring within weeks. “I'm getting back to it – keep on fighting, maybe do some MMA [mixed martial arts],” he said. “The jaw heals back stronger. I just probably won't fight Olympic gold-medal heavyweights anymore. I learned my lesson.”
The American has been in talks with multiple opponents for his boxing return, but he is also pursuing a long-awaited MMA fight against Nate Diaz. The pair faced off in a boxing ring in 2023, where Paul dropped and outpointed the former UFC star. “We've been trying to make the Nate Diaz MMA fight happen for a long time. I think it's still on the table, so we'll see what happens in the next year or two,” Paul added.
Diaz recently fought on an MMA card promoted by Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) in May, losing to fellow UFC alum Mike Perry via corner stoppage. A rematch in MMA could be a major draw, capitalizing on their previous boxing rivalry.
Paul also addressed speculation about a potentially facing boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. “He needs the money,” Paul said. “We're talking to a lot of people, I can't comment – boxers, MMA guys.” Mayweather previously fought Paul's brother, Logan, in a non-scored exhibition bout in 2021.
Anthony Joshua's next steps
While Paul plots his comeback, Anthony Joshua is preparing for his first fight since the December showdown. The former two-time unified heavyweight champion will face Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on July 25. The bout is viewed as a warm-up before a long-awaited all-British clash with Tyson Fury.
The Joshua-Fury fight has been pursued for years, and Saudi matchmaker Turki Alalshikh has indicated that it could take place at London's Wembley Stadium in November, provided the main event begins at 2am BST on a Sunday morning to accommodate broadcast schedules. Fury and Joshua have been circling each other for years, with negotiations repeatedly stalling. A victory over Prenga would set the stage for one of the biggest fights in British boxing history.
Joshua's last outing came under a shadow: he survived a fatal car crash in Nigeria shortly before the Paul fight. The accident claimed the lives of two of his teammates, and Joshua has spoken about the emotional toll it took. His return to the ring against Prenga will mark a significant step forward both professionally and personally.
Background: Jake Paul's rise in combat sports
Jake Paul first gained fame as a social media influencer on Vine and YouTube before transitioning to boxing in 2018. His early fights featured former MMA fighters and journeymen, building a reputation as a novelty act who could actually box. Victories over Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley earned him credibility, while a split-decision win over Anderson Silva further boosted his standing.
However, his 2023 loss to Tommy Fury exposed the limitations of his skills against a natural boxer with professional experience. The subsequent defeat to Anthony Joshua – an elite heavyweight with Olympic gold pedigree – reinforced that Paul is still some way from the top tier of the sport. Despite this, Paul remains a massive draw, often fighting on pay-per-view and selling out arenas.
Paul's foray into MMA is not without precedent. He has expressed interest in signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) or the UFC, and his promotional company MVP has already dipped into MMA promotion. A fight with Diaz under MMA rules would be a natural crossover event, appealing to fans of both sports.
Broader implications for boxing and MMA
The blurring lines between boxing and MMA continue to create opportunities for fighters like Paul. While purists often dismiss these crossover bouts, they generate significant revenue and attention. The potential Mayweather fight, for instance, would be a money-spinning exhibition, similar to Mayweather's previous outings against Logan Paul and Conor McGregor.
Meanwhile, the heavyweight division remains in flux. Joshua's win over Paul was criticized by some as a mismatch, but it kept his name in the mix for the Fury fight. Fury's own career has been marred by inactivity and controversial decisions, but a Joshua-Fury showdown would be the biggest fight possible in British boxing. The winner could then face the victor of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois rematch for undisputed status.
As for Paul, his willingness to admit his limitations may actually enhance his appeal. By acknowledging that fighting Olympic gold-medal heavyweights was a step too far, he positions himself as a realistic but entertaining figure. His next opponent will likely be a carefully chosen boxer or an MMA fighter in either sport, ensuring continued attention and revenue.
Source:MSN News