'Hungrier than ever' - Paul to return in Dubai on 24 December

Jake Paul will make his first fight since losing to Anthony Joshua when he headlines a card in Dubai on 24 December, his team confirmed.

Paul, who made his professional debut in 2020, has won seven of his fights by knockout and holds a professional record of 12 wins from 14 bouts, with his two defeats coming against Tommy Fury and Anthony Joshua. In May he said his boxing career was "most definitely" in doubt.

The 29-year-old underwent surgery after the bout with Joshua, having two titanium plates fitted and some teeth removed following a broken jaw suffered in their heavyweight meeting in December 2025. Paul was knocked down twice by Joshua before being stopped in the sixth round in Miami.

On announcing his return, Paul said: "I've spent years proving people wrong, taking risks, and pushing myself against opponents nobody thought I'd face," and added: "Nothing that's happened has changed my belief in myself or what I'm working toward. I'm hungrier than ever." He also stated: "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, who co-founded Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) with Paul, told the Sun earlier this week that former UFC fighter Darren Till was among the names being considered for the Dubai fight. Bidarian said: "Jake Paul has spent his career challenging what people think is possible," and added: "We're finalising an opponent worthy of Jake's return and look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks."

Till, 33, last fought in the UFC in 2022 and made his boxing debut in 2025, beating Luke Rockhold in his sole professional boxing bout. He has since competed in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and beat Yoel Romero in September.

In July 2025 Paul earned a place in the WBA's cruiserweight rankings after beating former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, but he lost that ranking in January following his defeat by Joshua.

Paul is scheduled to headline the Dubai card on Christmas Eve on 24 December, with his opponent to be finalised in the coming weeks as organisers and MVP work to confirm a signing.