Anthony Joshua had no mercy when questioned about Jake Paul possibly not fighting again

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images for Netflix

Anthony Joshua had no mercy when questioned about Jake Paul possibly not fighting again

Originally posted on HITC | By Filipe Guedes | Last updated Jun 2, 2026 9:06 AM ET

Jake Paul has spent recent weeks sounding less certain about his fighting future than his matchmaking ambitions suggest. The broken jaw suffered in the fight against Anthony Joshua has left his next move under medical review.

Paul said he was awaiting new scans, needed clearance before sparring, and admitted never fighting again remained possible. He also said his doctor did not want him back in competition.

On the other hand, Joshua did not show much concern about the potential impact he had on the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s future.

Anthony Joshua drops brutal response to Jake Paul retirement question

Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images

At the Joshua vs Kristian Prenga press conference, that situation gave one journalist an obvious route back to Paul. The Briton was then asked about the chance that his knockout may have ended Paul’s career.

He laughed before giving the sharpest possible answer.

“I think that was asked of me when I took the fight and I think I delivered it!”

For Joshua, it was an easy punchline. The original build-up centred on whether he would be too powerful and too experienced for the crossover star, and the result gave him that answer.

Paul has still called for Canelo Alvarez, who is tied to a September return, and has shown interest in an MMA rematch with Mike Perry.

Still, his public targets suggest business as usual, although his recovery continues to dictate any realistic timeline.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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