Jake Paul is setting his sights on a return to the boxing ring by the start of the new year, with a potential showdown against Tommy Fury emerging as the most logical next step, according to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). The American internet personality‑turned‑fighter has been out of competition since his loss to Anthony Joshua in December 2025, a bout in which he suffered a broken jaw in two places and was stopped in the sixth round. After months of rehabilitation and intensive training, Paul is now targeting a comeback within the next five months, aiming for a fight date toward the end of 2026 or in January 2027.
Bidarian confirmed to Sky Sports that the promotional team is concentrating on that specific timeline. “We’re looking at the end of this year or January for his return,” she said, emphasizing that the schedule is being built around Paul’s recovery and readiness.
The timing is crucial for both Paul and Fury, as each fighter has evolved significantly since their first encounter three years ago. In that initial meeting, Fury edged out Paul by a split‑decision points victory after the British boxer was knocked down in the final round, handing Paul the only other blemish on his record besides the recent defeat to Joshua. Paul’s career, which began on YouTube, has been marked by a rapid ascent in the world of professional boxing. He has amassed a 14‑fight record, highlighted by high‑profile wins over former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, former middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr., and mixed‑martial‑arts star Nate Diaz.
Those victories have lent him a degree of legitimacy in a sport that often views celebrity entrants with skepticism. Now, after a period of physical healing and mental regrouping, Paul and his team believe the moment is ripe to settle the score with Fury, who has also been busy adding to his résumé. "If we can come to terms with Tommy, that’s the fight that makes the most sense," Bidarian explained.
"Think about where both fighters were three years ago – this is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate to the world that they have both grown as boxers." The narrative is compelling: Paul would be looking to prove that he can rebound from a painful loss and compete at a higher level, while Fury would have a chance to cement his status by defeating the most talked‑about name in the sport today. Both athletes have something to prove, and a rematch could generate considerable interest from mainstream and combat‑sports audiences alike.
The obstacles to making the bout a reality, however, extend beyond the fighters’ willingness. Bidarian cited financial considerations, public expectations, and the broader economics of boxing as the primary hurdles. Negotiating a purse that satisfies both camps, securing a venue that maximizes pay‑per‑view revenue, and aligning broadcast partners are all complex pieces of the puzzle.
Nevertheless, the promotional team remains optimistic that a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached, especially given the marketability of a Paul‑Fury clash. Since Paul’s loss to Joshua, Fury has continued to build his own legacy. He secured a points victory over fellow YouTuber KSI and later defeated former World's Strongest Man competitor Eddie Hall by majority decision in a Misfits Boxing exhibition bout in June.
Those wins have kept Fury in the public eye and have helped him maintain momentum while waiting for a high‑profile opponent. A fight with Paul would not only be a lucrative payday but also a chance for Fury to prove that he can handle a boxer who has consistently sought out the biggest names in the sport. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is packed with marquee events, and a Paul‑Fury rematch could slot neatly into the schedule as a headline attraction.
Streaming platforms such as NOW and traditional broadcasters like Sky Sports are already positioning themselves to deliver the fight to a global audience. Fans can also follow related content through podcasts like Toe2Toe, which provides weekly analysis and insights into the sport’s biggest stories.
In summary, Jake Paul’s path back to the ring is being carefully plotted with an eye on a January return and a potential bout against Tommy Fury. The fight promises to be more than just a celebrity spectacle; it offers both competitors a chance to demonstrate growth, resilience, and skill after their respective setbacks. While money, expectations, and the economics of the sport present challenges, the partnership between Paul and MVP is actively working to overcome these barriers. If successful, the rematch could become one of the most talked‑about events of the year, showcasing how two modern boxing personalities have evolved since their first encounter and providing fans with a compelling narrative of redemption and rivalry.