Paul admits boxing career in doubt over injury from Joshua bout

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ByElla GibbsBBC Sport journalist

Jake Paul says his boxing career is “most definitely” in doubt because of the injuries sustained during his loss to British heavyweight Anthony Joshua in December.

Paul had two titanium plates fitted and some teeth removed after Joshua broke his jaw in two places during their heavyweight fight in Miami.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer went six rounds with two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua, but the bout was stopped when Paul failed to beat the count following repeated knockdowns.

“I’m getting some new scans in a couple of days, of the jaw, to get an update on the healing process. We’ll see what the doctors say,” he said on The Ariel Helwani Show.

“I think I’ll be able to get a more accurate timeframe, or can I even fight again? That is definitely in the realm of possibility.

“It does feel a lot better as weeks go by, but I definitely need to get cleared to be able to spar. I’m staying in shape and enjoying some mitt work. I’m always in the gym regardless.”

Paul’s defeat by Joshua saw the 29-year-old drop out of the WBA’s cruiserweight rankings. His previous opponents were largely made up of boxers well past their prime or former mixed martial artists.

Earlier this month, his partner at Most Valuable Promotions, Nakisa Bidarian, told BBC Sport Paul was eyeing a return to cruiserweight.

But asked if his boxing future is in doubt, Paul said: “Most definitely. I think it just depends on how the bone heals, and then also there’s a tooth missing – I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to get an implant of some sort.

“I don’t know how much time that’s going to add to things. But we just have to see and figure out what the smartest thing is for me.”

• Boxing