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 potential showdown against Tommy Fury emerging as the most logical next step, according to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). Paul’s last bout took place in December 2025, when he faced off against heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
That fight ended in a sixth‑round loss for Paul, and it was marked by a severe injury: a double fracture of his jaw inflicted by the British pugilist. Since that setback, the former YouTube star has dedicated himself to a rigorous rehabilitation program, regaining his health and sharpening his skills in preparation for a comeback that he hopes to stage within the next five months. Bidarian confirmed to Sky Sports that the timeline for Paul’s return is being carefully plotted, with a target window that stretches from the end of the current calendar year into the first weeks of the new year. "In terms of timing, we continue to focus on the end of this year or January.
That's the timeline for his return," she said, emphasizing the strategic planning behind the move. This prospective schedule aligns with Paul’s desire to re‑establish himself after a career‑defining loss that was only the second blemish on his professional record. Prior to the Joshua defeat, Paul’s sole other loss had come at the hands of Tommy Fury in 2023, a split‑decision points loss that followed a dramatic knock‑down of Fury in the final round. The narrative surrounding Paul’s career has been shaped by a series of high‑profile victories that have lent him credibility within the boxing community.
Notable wins include triumphs over former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson, former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and former UFC competitor Nate Diaz. These successes have helped Paul transition from a social‑media personality to a recognized figure in the sport, and they set the stage for what Bidarian describes as a perfect opportunity to settle the score with Fury.
"If we're able to come to terms with Tommy, that's the fight that makes the most sense," she explained. "If you think about where they were three years ago, it's the perfect opportunity to show the world that both of them have evolved as boxers." The stakes for both fighters are high.
For Paul, a victory over Fury would serve as a statement that he has progressed beyond the level that led to his loss against Joshua, demonstrating that he can compete at a higher tier and that his earlier setbacks were merely stepping stones. "For Jake, coming off the loss to AJ, this is his chance to really demonstrate that he has moved to another level," Bidarian noted.
Conversely, for Fury, a win would reinforce his standing and potentially signal the end of Paul’s ascent in the sport. "For Tommy this is his opportunity to say the Jake Paul story has come to an end," she added. Negotiations for the bout, however, are not without challenges.
Bidarian identified three primary obstacles that could impede the finalization of a Paul‑Fury clash: financial considerations, public expectations, and the broader economic realities of staging a major boxing event. These factors will need to be balanced carefully to ensure that both camps feel the fight is viable and profitable.
Since Paul’s last fight, Fury has remained active, adding to his résumé with a points victory over fellow YouTuber KSI and a majority‑decision win against former World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall in a Misfits Boxing exhibition match held in June. These wins have kept Fury in the public eye and have further built his case as a worthy opponent for Paul. Looking ahead to the broader boxing calendar for 2026, fans can anticipate a packed schedule of marquee matchups, with streaming platforms like NOW offering contract‑free access to many of these events. In addition, the Toe2Toe podcast continues to provide weekly analysis and insights into the sport, while Sky Sports Action will broadcast upcoming title fights, such as the undisputed world championship bout between Cherneka Johnson and Dina Thorslund at 118 pounds, slated for early Sunday morning.
In summary, Jake Paul’s roadmap to a January comeback is centered on securing a high‑stakes rematch with Tommy Fury. The fight promises to be a compelling narrative of redemption and evolution for both athletes, provided they can navigate the financial and logistical hurdles that stand in their way. With both fighters having demonstrated growth since their last encounter, the boxing world is poised for a potentially electrifying showdown that could redefine the trajectories of their respective careers.