Jake Paul has been handed a significant period of reflection following his devastating knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua. The YouTuber-turned-boxer, known as 'The Problem Child', suffered a double jaw fracture in the bout last weekend, leading to a mandatory 60-day medical suspension from the Florida Athletic Commission.
Recovery and Reflection
The 28-year-old American now faces a lengthy recovery from his injuries before he can consider a return to the ring. This enforced break provides Paul with the opening months of 2026 to contemplate the future direction of his boxing career and, crucially, who he should challenge next. The debate has already been joined by his recent conqueror, Anthony Joshua, who praised Paul's spirit and offered suggestions for his next move.
Anthony Joshua's Suggestions
In the aftermath of their fight, Joshua hinted that Paul should consider dropping down in weight class. He specifically named two potential opponents who operate at a lighter weight. The first was Gervonta Davis, who was actually Paul's intended opponent for November 2025 before the fight was cancelled due to serious allegations against Davis.
The second name put forward by the British heavyweight was Ryan Garcia. The 27-year-old Garcia has a long-standing, simmering rivalry with Paul, making this a clash fans have speculated about for years.
Other Potential Opponents
Beyond Joshua's recommendations, several other high-profile names feature on the list of possible next fights for Jake Paul.
A rematch with Tommy Fury remains a distinct possibility. Paul suffered his first professional loss to Fury via a split decision in February 2023, despite scoring a knockdown. The pair have continued a war of words online ever since.
Paul has also repeatedly called out Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, even doing so immediately after the Joshua defeat. Canelo has largely dismissed the bout as a "show" rather than a serious contest.
In a more unconventional suggestion, undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has teased the idea of facing Paul. The Ukrainian ruled out a boxing match as too dangerous for Paul but suggested a meeting in an MMA octagon, referencing Paul's wrestling background.
The Influencer Boxing Showdown
Perhaps the most anticipated clash in the influencer boxing sphere is a long-awaited grudge match with KSI. The pair, considered founding figures of the genre, have shared a bitter rivalry since 2018. Despite years of negotiations and verbal agreements, they have never officially met in the ring, leaving fans to wonder if the time has finally come.
With a mandatory suspension in place and a serious injury to heal, Jake Paul's immediate future is one of recovery. However, the speculation about his next blockbuster bout has already begun in earnest.
