Jake Paul is positioning himself for a return to the boxing ring by the close of the year or, at the latest, early January, with a showdown against Tommy Fury emerging as the most logical matchup, according to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). The YouTube celebrity-turned-puncher has been out of competition since his loss to Anthony Joshua in December 2025, a bout that ended in a sixth‑round stoppage and left Paul with a broken jaw in two places.
Following an extensive period of medical treatment and physical rehabilitation, Paul has announced his intention to step back into the squared circle within the next five months. Bidarian confirmed to Sky Sports that the timeline for Paul’s comeback is firmly set for the end of the calendar year or the beginning of the new year. "We’re concentrating on a window that runs through December into January," she said, emphasizing that the promotional team is working diligently to secure a fight that will both re‑establish Paul’s credibility and generate significant fan interest. Paul’s defeat at the hands of Joshua marked only the second blemish on his 14‑fight record.
The first loss came in 2023 when he faced Tommy Fury, succumbing to a split‑decision points verdict after Fury was knocked down in the final round. Despite these setbacks, Paul has built a résumé that includes victories over former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, former middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr., and ex‑UFC competitor Nate Diaz. These wins have helped him earn a measure of respect within the boxing community, and his team believes the moment is ripe for a rematch with Fury to settle unfinished business.
"If we can reach an agreement with Tommy, that fight makes the most sense for both athletes," Bidarian explained. She added that the context of their previous encounter—three years ago—provides a compelling narrative: both fighters have matured, refined their skills, and now have the chance to demonstrate how far they have progressed. For Paul, the bout represents an opportunity to prove that he has transcended the loss to Joshua and is operating at a higher level. For Fury, it offers a platform to declare that the era of Jake Paul as a serious contender is over.
When asked about the hurdles that could impede the organization of a second Paul‑Fury clash, Bidarian cited financial considerations, public expectations, and the broader economics of the sport as the primary challenges. "Money, expectations and the reality of the economics" are the factors that will ultimately determine whether the fight can be made to happen. Since Paul’s loss to Joshua, Fury has remained active, securing a points victory over fellow YouTuber KSI and defeating former World's Strongest Man champion Eddie Hall by majority decision in a Misfits Boxing exhibition in June. These wins have kept Fury in the public eye and positioned him as a viable opponent for Paul’s anticipated return.
The upcoming months promise a busy schedule for the boxing world, with major events slated throughout 2026. Fans can look forward to a variety of high‑profile matchups, streaming options on platforms such as NOW, and supplemental content like the weekly Toe2Toe podcast, which provides analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insight.
Additionally, Sky Sports will broadcast other notable fights, including the MVP‑05 event featuring Cherneka Johnson versus Dina Thorslund for the undisputed 118‑pound world title. In summary, Jake Paul is gearing up for a strategic comeback, targeting a fight with Tommy Fury as the centerpiece of his return plan.
The timeline is set for the end of 2025 or early 2026, and while financial and logistical obstacles remain, both fighters stand to gain significant exposure and validation from a well‑promoted showdown. The boxing community will be watching closely to see if negotiations succeed and whether this anticipated bout can finally materialize on the cards.