Jake Paul to make boxing return on Christmas Eve in Dubai with opponent to be revealed
Jake Paul will make his boxing return on Christmas Eve in Dubai, 12 months on from having his jaw broken by Anthony Joshua; his opponent is yet to be confirmed but they say there are plenty of names being discussed
Thursday 29 October 2026 17:37, UK
Jake Paul is set to make his return to the ring on Christmas Eve in Dubai with his opponent to be revealed.
It marks Paul's first fight since he took on former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua and suffered a broken jaw in the process of a knockout blow in the sixth round.
Back in 2024, he also fought Mike Tyson and has a record of 12-2, with seven KOs since making his professional debut.
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On his return to the ring, Paul revealed there are plenty of names in the frame to fight him.
Previous names that have been discussed include former UFC fighters Darren Till and Francis Ngannou, Britain's Chris Eubank Jr and WBC welterweight world champion Ryan Garcia.
"I've spent years proving people wrong, taking risks, and pushing myself against opponents nobody thought I'd face," he said.
"Nothing that's happened has changed my belief in myself or what I'm working toward. I'm hungrier than ever, and on Thursday, December 24, I'm returning to the ring in Dubai to start the next chapter of my journey.
"Dubai is a city that thinks big, breaks boundaries, and doesn't believe in limits. That's exactly the kind of place I want to make my comeback.
"We've got plenty of names on the list; let's see who signs the contract. Merry Christmas, Dubai. Santa Paul is coming to town, and somebody's getting knocked out."
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder and chief executive of Most Valuable Promotions, said: "Jake Paul has spent his career challenging what people think is possible.
"Twelve months ago he suffered a double broken jaw against a two-time heavyweight world champion and since then many have doubted his desire or need to return to boxing.
"Well he is back, and that tells you everything about the competitor Jake Paul is and how much he loves this sport. This is more than a fight.
"We're finalising an opponent worthy of Jake's return and look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks."
Darren Till 'on the list'
Bidarian explained that the shortlist of potential fights for Paul is now at three or four names, with a view to announcing the opponent in the next fortnight.
"We are down to three or four names, just trying to see ultimately who we get across the finish line," he told Sky Sports News.
"Darren [Till] is definitely somebody we've had on the list. There are two or three names that are still under consideration.
"It's going to be exciting, and, as every Jake Paul fight is, an even matchup. Every step Jake has taken based on experience or level has been evenly matched and he's come through, other than the fight against Anthony Joshua, he has come through with flying colours.
"13 months ago, he pressed me on fighting Anthony Joshua within a three week window, he pressed me he could beat him.
"He was knocked down, TKO'd, broken jaw in two places and now he's back after a year off so just trying to manage the right opponent who has commercial viability, who is a true test but who doesn't have a massive advantage versus Jake Paul.
"I'm hoping whether it's next week or week after we'll announce who that opponent is."
