American boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul says his comeback plans have been pushed back after fresh complications from the jaw injury he sustained against Anthony Joshua forced him into a second surgery.

Paul suffered a double jaw fracture during his sixth-round stoppage defeat to Joshua in December at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The American had initially hoped to resume training later this year but said the recovery has taken an unexpected turn.

Speaking to reporters at a news conference for Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano, Paul revealed that the titanium plates and screws inserted during his first operation began to loosen, forcing doctors to carry out another corrective procedure in February.

“I got my second surgery recently, and the doctor said it will be four, five or six months to even be able to spar to see how the bone is healing. So that puts us maybe late this year or early next year for a fight,” Paul said.

The delay means the 27-year-old will likely remain out of action well into 2027 if his rehabilitation follows the projected timeline.

Paul also confirmed he will abandon plans to compete at heavyweight, admitting Joshua’s punching power was far beyond what he had experienced in lighter divisions. His next bout, whenever it comes, is expected to be at cruiserweight.

“Joshua’s punches hurt way more than people in my weight class. That’s where I’m best at, for sure, and where I want to continue to climb in the rankings and make some statements,” he said.

Joshua, meanwhile, is also facing his own recovery battle. Naija News reports that the former world champion has been rehabilitating after a devastating car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29 that claimed the lives of his close friends, personal trainer Kevin Ayodele and long-time recovery therapist Sina Ghami.

The British-Nigerian star has been undergoing intensive treatment for rib injuries, with his promoter Eddie Hearn targeting July for the two-time heavyweight champion’s return to the ring.