Derek Chisora believes Jake Paul’s boxing career is finished following his brutal defeat to Anthony Joshua, predicting the American will suffer lasting psychological damage from the encounter.
The veteran heavyweight, speaking to The Sun, expressed certainty that Paul would never step into the ring again after sustaining a double jaw fracture against the former two-time world champion.
“That guy is not going to box any more. He will not box any more,” Chisora declared.
The 41-year-old dismissed any notion of a comeback, stating: “You’re mad, after he had a broken jaw he’s going to have PTSD. He’s got a broken jaw, twice, in two places.
“Real boxers come back, YouTubers don’t come back.”
The Miami bout saw Paul hit the canvas on four separate occasions throughout the contest, though he demonstrated considerable resilience by rising each time.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer managed to last six rounds against the significantly larger and more seasoned Joshua before a decisive right hand brought proceedings to a close.
Derek Chisora believes Jake Paul’s boxing career is finished following his brutal defeat to Anthony Joshua, predicting the American will suffer lasting psychological damage from the encounter
|
GETTY
Paul’s jaw was fractured in two locations during the fight, an injury that subsequently required surgical intervention.
The 28-year-old now faces a minimum recovery period of six months before any potential return to competition.
Despite criticism from Chisora, who accused Paul of “running” during the fight, the American earned respect from numerous pundits for simply agreeing to face a former heavyweight world champion.
Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PA
Cruiserweight contender Viddal Riley offered a different perspective, suggesting Paul’s business obligations would compel him to continue fighting.
Riley pointed to the American’s role at Most Valuable Promotions as the key factor, explaining: “Jake’s got a lot of responsibilities to deliver to all the fighters that are under his banner and part of the delivering is the exposure.”
He emphasised that streaming platforms depend on Paul’s involvement, noting: “Netflix put on these events because Jake is in the main event.”
Riley suggested Paul could cement his promotional company’s standing with a couple more bouts.
He added: “I think maybe two more fights and MVP will be established but I think he needs to maybe try do the Canelo fight in July next year.”
While Chisora vowed he would never wake up early for another Paul fight, he made one exception clear.
Jake Paul lasted six rounds in his boxing bout with Anthony Joshua
|
GETTY“The only fight that I’d like to see happen is Jake Paul and KSI,” he said.
“I’d be there ringside. That’s the fight I wanna see. They’ve been going at it for like the last 20 years! Just get it done.”
Riley, who is now signed to KSI’s Misfits Pro banner, drew a comparison between the long-awaited influencer rivalry and boxing’s biggest domestic clash.
“That’s the Fury and AJ of that world. Anything’s possible. That’s all I’d say,” he added.
Paul is being linked with a lucrative showdown with Conor McGregor, but there’s merely speculation at this stage.
Joshua, meanwhile, appears set for a February return to Riyadh ahead of a potential September showdown with Tyson Fury.
