By Saidu Abubakar with Agency Reports
Jake Paul has had two titanium plates fitted and several teeth removed after Anthony Joshua broke his jaw in two places during their heavyweight bout in Miami, marking the first defeat of Paul’s boxing career.
The 28-year-old, a significant underdog against the two-time world heavyweight champion, survived six rounds before the referee halted the contest when he failed to beat the count after repeated knockdowns. Paul hit the canvas twice across the fifth and sixth rounds, later confirming he suspected a serious injury.
“Surgery went well; thanks for all the love and support. Only liquids for seven days,” Paul wrote on Instagram, sharing an X-ray image that revealed the double fracture along his jawline.
Despite missing the post-fight press conference due to the injury, Paul kept his trademark humour, joking he could still fight Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez “in 10 days” before outlining a shift in ambition.
“We will heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight. I’m going for the cruiserweight world title,” Paul said, adding he plans to take “some time off” after six intense years in the sport.
Most Valuable Promotions chief Nakisa Bidarian noted that jaw breaks are common in combat sports, estimating a recovery window of four to six weeks.
The fight had drawn public criticism over Paul’s jump from cruiserweight to heavyweight and the experience gap between the fighters, but Paul remains confident about his next chapter, emphasising a return to his natural division.
Osimhen speaks Tough
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Morocco, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are setting their sights on continental redemption as Victor Osimhen declares the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) a chance to realise a long-held dream.
Osimhen, who has scored 31 goals in 45 appearances for Nigeria, was part of the side that lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final and also endured heartbreak earlier this year when Nigeria was knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs on penalties by DR Congo.
Reflecting on the loss, the 26-year-old striker told BBC Sport Africa: “Penalty is a game of luck. Life has happened; we just have to keep it moving.”
Now starring for Galatasaray, Osimhen says the squad is putting in the work to go one better, with Nigeria targeting a fourth AFCON title and their first since 2013.
“The AFCON is an opportunity for us to win our fans over and actualise our dreams,” he said, thanking supporters who have stayed loyal through highs and lows.
Nigeria open their Group C campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, 23 December (17:30 GMT) in Fes, before taking on Tunisia (27 December) and Uganda (30 December).
The Super Eagles head into the tournament after a 2-1 friendly defeat to Egypt, but Osimhen remains confident in Nigeria’s attacking depth, citing Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers as players capable of delivering when called upon.
“We have so many talented players in this squad. If you don’t see some of us, others can step in,” Osimhen said, stressing team unity and mutual respect.
On the defensive front, Calvin Bassey admitted sadness over the international retirement of former captain William Troost-Ekong but insisted Nigeria remain in safe hands under new skipper Wilfred Ndidi.
“He was an incredible leader and good friend,” Bassey said of Ekong, who earned 83 caps for Nigeria and was named AFCON 2023 MVP.
The Fulham defender also highlighted the benefit of club chemistry, pointing to his long-standing understanding with Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze.
“We know each other’s strengths. Hopefully, we can bring that chemistry to the national team,” Bassey said.