The boxing world continues to buzz with speculation about Jake Paul’s next opponent, following his brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in December. While the YouTuber-turned-pugilist pocketed over £50 million from that heavyweight clash, he also suffered significant facial injuries that have temporarily sidelined his career. Now, veteran fighter George Groves has weighed in on who should and shouldn’t step into the ring with the controversial American.
Why Conor McGregor represents the perfect matchup
Former super-middleweight champion Groves believes Conor McGregor stands out as the most logical next challenge for Paul. The Irish UFC icon brings precisely what the American needs : massive name recognition combined with limited traditional boxing credentials. Speaking to Bet Victor, Groves emphasized that McGregor represents the biggest star in mixed martial arts whilst possessing boxing skills that wouldn’t overwhelm someone of Paul’s developing abilities.
The potential showdown makes commercial sense on multiple levels. McGregor’s only professional boxing appearance came against Floyd Mayweather in 2017, where he ultimately fell short despite generating enormous pay-per-view revenue. Since that bout, the 37-year-old has been plagued by injuries and controversies that have kept him away from competitive action. His last UFC appearance in 2021 ended disastrously with a horrific leg fracture against Dustin Poirier.
Groves predicts Paul would actually enter as favourite, suggesting that nothing can intimidate him anymore after facing Joshua. The trash talk between these two personalities would reach unprecedented levels, potentially creating a spectacle that transcends traditional boxing audiences. The former champion even joked that the bout might evolve from boxing into wrestling and ultimately bare-knuckle fighting across its duration.
McGregor’s troubled path back to competition
The Irishman’s return to professional fighting faces numerous obstacles beyond physical recovery. In December 2024, McGregor was found liable in a civil assault case dating back to 2018, casting a shadow over his public image. Court proceedings revealed disturbing allegations that have damaged his reputation outside the octagon.
Additionally, anti-doping violations have complicated his comeback timeline. McGregor received an 18-month ban for failing to properly notify testers of his whereabouts on three separate occasions. However, this suspension was backdated, making him eligible to compete again by March 20th. This timing aligns perfectly with UFC’s proposed White House card scheduled for later in 2026, where McGregor has hinted at making his long-awaited return.
| Fighter | Age | Last Fight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Paul | 28 | December 2025 (vs Joshua) | Medically suspended |
| Conor McGregor | 37 | 2021 (vs Poirier) | Eligible March 2026 |
| Canelo Alvarez | 35 | September 2025 (vs Crawford) | Active |
The brutal reality of jaw injuries
Paul currently faces an indefinite boxing ban pending medical clearance following his sixth-round knockout against Joshua. The American sustained a broken jaw requiring surgical intervention, an injury Groves knows intimately from personal experience. The British fighter underwent the procedure twice during his career, describing the recovery process as mental torture.
According to Groves, the healing timeline typically spans six weeks when plates are installed. During this period, fighters endure having their jaw wired shut, restricting them to liquid diets and creating genuine psychological challenges. He recounted feelings of suffocation and the horrendous experience of surviving solely on yoghurt and liquids. However, Groves noted that proper surgical repair can actually leave the jaw stronger than before the initial break.
The key considerations for Paul’s recovery include :
- Complete immobilization through jaw wiring for initial healing phase
- Surgical plate installation to reinforce the fractured bone structure
- Strict liquid-only dietary restrictions during the critical recovery window
- Gradual reintroduction to physical training under medical supervision
- Psychological adjustment to the trauma and vulnerability of facial injury
Why Canelo should avoid this fight
Negotiations between Paul and Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez collapsed dramatically last year despite initial momentum. Following Paul’s performance against Joshua, Groves believes Canelo has even less incentive to pursue this matchup. The former champion observed that Paul employed defensive and evasive tactics throughout the AJ bout, hitting the canvas four times before the final stoppage.
Groves explained that fighting Paul presents significant stylistic challenges for someone of Canelo’s stature. The American’s tendency to spoil, retreat, and avoid engaging in traditional exchanges makes him difficult to look impressive against. For a fighter like Canelo, who recently suffered a points defeat to Terence Crawford in September, risking his reputation against an opponent who won’t stand and trade punches offers minimal upside.
The assessment reflects broader strategic thinking in professional boxing. Elite fighters must carefully select opponents who either enhance their legacy through quality victories or generate sufficient financial reward to justify the risk. Paul represents neither category for someone of Canelo’s credentials, particularly given the stylistic awkwardness he presents.
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