Anthony Joshua's KO of Jake Paul: What's Next for the British Star?

**Anthony Joshua's devastating sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul in December 2025 left the American with a double jaw break and two metal plates in his face.** The British heavyweight champion's power was on full display, but now Paul is hinting at a return to the ring-raising questions about what’s next for Joshua and his potential opponents.

What happened in the fight?

The bout took place on **December 12, 2025**, in Saudi Arabia, where Joshua dominated Paul from the opening bell. The American, known for his crossover fights, was no match for Joshua’s professional experience. A crushing right hand in the sixth round sent Paul crashing to the canvas, ending the fight and leaving him with severe facial injuries.

Paul later underwent surgery, requiring two metal plates and the removal of teeth. He admitted his future in boxing was uncertain, telling Ariel Helwani that retirement was a possibility. However, in July 2026, Paul revealed on *The Pat McAfee Show* that he’s recovering well and plans to fight again.

Why does this matter for Anthony Joshua?

Joshua’s victory over Paul reinforced his status as one of boxing’s elite heavyweights. But with Paul now eyeing a comeback, speculation is growing about a potential rematch. Joshua has expressed interest in fighting again in Saudi Arabia, where he has a strong fanbase.

Meanwhile, other British boxers, like **James DeGale**, are also making comebacks. DeGale, a former Olympic gold medalist and world champion, recently announced his return after a seven-year retirement. While DeGale’s focus is on domestic opponents, his resurgence adds to the buzz around British boxing.

What’s next for Jake Paul?

Paul has teased potential fights against **Terence Crawford** and an MMA debut against **Nate Diaz**. He also mentioned exploring opportunities with MVP MMA, hinting at a possible shift from boxing to mixed martial arts.

For Joshua, the focus remains on defending his titles. With Paul’s comeback in the mix, the boxing world will be watching closely to see if the two meet again-or if Joshua moves on to bigger challenges.

The heavyweight division is heating up, and Joshua’s next move could shape the future of the sport.