Jake Paul has made headlines with his first Instagram post following his discharge from hospital after a knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua. The fight, held on December 1, 2023, in Miami, Florida, marked a significant moment in Paul’s career as it was the first time he had been stopped in his 14-fight professional history.
In a contest that showcased Joshua’s superior size and skill, Paul struggled in the opening rounds. The former two-time world heavyweight champion floored him multiple times during the fifth and sixth rounds, culminating in a decisive knockout at 1:31 of the sixth round. The punch that ended the fight was a powerful right hook that sent Paul crashing to the canvas.
Paul’s post-fight injuries were severe. Shortly after the bout, he shared X-rays on Twitter confirming he had suffered a double jaw break. This injury necessitated surgery, during which two titanium plates were fitted, and some teeth were removed. Following the procedure, the 28-year-old was placed on a liquid-only diet, which he will maintain until after Christmas.
Despite the physical setback, Paul’s financial gains from the fight were substantial. His first Instagram post after being released from Miami University Hospital highlighted his wealth, showcasing an image of himself on a private jet surrounded by cash, luxury items, and firearms. The caption read: “The American Dream. Start yours today. Believe in it. Fail. Work. Fail. Learn. Fail. Don’t ever stop.”
The response from his 28.7 million followers was mixed. While many comments referenced the knockout moment, others praised Paul’s entrepreneurial success. One user remarked, “Bro lost, but really won,” while another stated, “Ooooh, he rich rich.” Another comment emphasized the potential positive impact of Paul’s wealth, saying, “Just one of those stacks can change someone’s life.”
Although Paul has attracted controversy within the boxing community, he has simultaneously positioned himself as a strong advocate for women’s boxing. He actively promotes many of the top female fighters in the sport and reportedly compensates them at unprecedented levels. His influence extends beyond the ring, as he serves as an inspiration for a generation of aspiring content creators.
Following the loss to Joshua, Paul remains resolute in his ambition to become a world champion. With a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses, he has expressed interest in facing former undisputed super middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez once he is medically cleared to return to boxing.
Regardless of public opinion, it appears that Jake Paul is poised to remain a prominent figure in the boxing world for years to come.
