Jake Paul Confirms Boxing Return on Christmas Eve in Dubai
Jake Paul has announced his return to the boxing ring on 24 December in Dubai, nearly a year after
suffering a knockout loss and broken jaw against Anthony Joshua.
The American YouTuber-turned-boxer will headline a Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) card on
Christmas Eve, with his opponent still to be confirmed.
It will mark his first professional fight since the December 2025 bout in Miami, where the former
heavyweight champion stopped him in the sixth round.
Paul, 29, suffered a fractured jaw that required multiple surgeries, including the fitting of titanium plates
and the removal of some teeth. He had previously expressed doubts about continuing his boxing career.
In a statement released on Thursday, Paul said: “I’ve spent years proving people wrong, taking risks, and
pushing myself against opponents nobody thought I’d face. Nothing that’s happened has changed my
belief in myself or what I’m working toward. I’m hungrier than ever, and on Thursday, 24 December, 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.”
MVP co-founder and CEO Nakisa Bidarian confirmed the promotion is finalising an opponent “worthy of
Jake’s return” and expects to announce further details in the coming weeks.
Names previously linked or discussed have included former UFC fighter Darren Till, among others.
Paul holds a professional record of 12-2, with his only defeats coming against Tommy Fury and Joshua.
The Dubai event is being organised in cooperation with local sports and tourism authorities.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
