Jake Paul has emerged from surgery following the devastating sixth-round knockout he suffered at the hands of Anthony Joshua in Miami on Friday night.
The American boxer sustained a double fracture to his jaw during the bout, which required extensive surgical intervention at the University of Miami Hospital.
Surgeons inserted two titanium plates on each side of his jaw and extracted several teeth to repair the damage inflicted by the former heavyweight champion.
Paul, 28, shared the news with his followers on social media, posting a photograph of himself recovering in his hospital bed.
Jake Paul updated fans on his health from his hospital bed
|INSTAGRAM/REUTERS
The YouTuber-turned-boxer was knocked down four times during the contest before the referee mercifully halted proceedings in the sixth round.
"Surgery went well thanks for all the love and support. 2 titanium plates on each side. Some teeth removed. Have to have only liquids for 7 days," Paul wrote on Instagram.
The 28-year-old will be restricted to consuming meals through a straw for the coming week as his jaw heals.
Medical staff at the Miami facility received particular praise from Paul, who described the team as "gracious and caring" throughout his treatment.
Nakisa Bidarian, chief executive of Paul's promotional company Most Valuable Promotions, provided reassurance about the fighter's condition.
"He's fine. He drove himself to the hospital. A broken jaw's very common in sports, particularly in boxing or MMA," Bidarian stated.
The expected recovery period stands at four to six weeks, according to surgeons who treated the American.
Despite the brutal nature of his defeat, Paul remained in good spirits during his post-fight interview, expressing genuine affection for the sport.
"I'm feeling good, that was fun. I love this sport. I gave it my all... I had a blast," he declared from the ring.
The American was gracious in acknowledging the superiority of his British opponent, describing the experience as "a nice ass-whooping from one of the best to ever do it."
Paul confirmed his intention to step away from heavyweight competition and pursue glory in a lower weight class.
"We're going to heal the broken jaw, fight someone my weight and go for the cruiserweight world title," he explained.
Jake Paul suffered the first knockout defeat of his boxing career
|REUTERS
The 28-year-old indicated he would take a brief hiatus after six years of intensive training and competition.
Paul demonstrated remarkable composure in the immediate aftermath of the fight, driving himself to hospital despite suspecting his jaw had been fractured.
The American was visibly bloodied and spitting blood following the stoppage, yet still managed to conduct his in-ring interview before seeking medical attention.
He subsequently shared x-ray images on social media that clearly displayed the extent of the damage to his jawbone.
Anthony Joshua knocked Jake Paul out in the sixth round | REUTERSIn characteristic fashion, Paul maintained his bravado even whilst facing surgery, posting alongside the x-ray: "Double broken jaw. Give me Canelo in 10 days."
The defeat marked the first knockout loss of Paul's boxing career, whether amateur or professional, with his record now standing at 12 wins and two defeats.