Jake Paul will return to the ring for the first time since losing to Anthony Joshua on 24 December, in a bout against an opponent yet to be confirmed. The American influencer suffered two titanium plates being fitted to his jaw and had some teeth removed after Joshua broke his jaw during their heavyweight fight in December 2025.
The 29-year-old said in May that his boxing career was "most definitely" in doubt. Paul will headline a card in Dubai on Christmas Eve, with several names understood to be in contention to face him.
"I've spent years proving people wrong, taking risks, and pushing myself against opponents nobody thought I'd face," Paul said. "Nothing that's happened has changed my belief in myself or what I'm working toward. I'm hungrier than ever."
He added: "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."
Paul has won 12 of his 14 professional fights, with his two defeats coming against Tommy Fury and Joshua.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing