Jake Paul has confirmed Cedric Doumbe as his opponent for a boxing return in Dubai on Christmas Eve. Paul, 12-2 since his pro debut, last fought Anthony Joshua in 2024, suffering a broken jaw from a sixth-round knockout. He also faced Mike Tyson in 2024. His other loss came against Tommy Fury in 2023.
Doumbe, 34, is a former two-time kickboxing world champion with a 75-7-1 record and 45 knockouts. He transitioned to MMA in 2023, recording six KO victories in his first seven bouts. His explosive nine-second knockout of Jordan Zebo in September 2023 was witnessed by Kylian Mbappe. He has one prior professional boxing bout, beating Mohamed Fodil on points in 2015.
The bout will be a professionally-sanctioned eight-round cruiserweight clash at 200lbs with 10oz gloves. Paul stated, "I'm rusty, my jaw is janky and I don't have kickboxing world titles like you do. But guess what, this isn't kickboxing mon ami. This is BOXING." Doumbe replied, "I'm going to finish the job Joshua started."
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing