Jake Paul is setting his sights on a return to the boxing ring by the turn of the 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 celebrity‑turned‑fighter has been out of competition since his December 2025 loss to Anthony Joshua, a bout that ended in a sixth‑round stoppage and left Paul with a broken jaw in two places. After a period of intensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and physical conditioning, Paul is now targeting a comeback within roughly five months. Bidarian told Sky Sports that the timeline for Paul’s return is focused on the end of the calendar year or the early weeks of January.
"In terms of timing, we continue to focus on the end of this year or January. That's the timeline for his return," she explained. The statement underscores the strategic planning behind Paul’s next move, as his team evaluates opponents, negotiations, and the commercial landscape surrounding a high‑profile fight.
Paul’s defeat to Joshua marked only the second loss in his 14‑fight professional record. The first blemish came in 2023 when he faced Tommy Fury and lost via a split‑decision points verdict, despite having knocked Fury down in the final round.
That earlier encounter was closely contested and left many observers believing the two fighters could produce an even more compelling rematch now that both have accumulated additional experience and have refined their skill sets. Since his debut, Paul has built a résumé that includes victories over several notable names from combat sports. He knocked out former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, secured a win against former middleweight world champion Julio César Chávez Jr., and defeated ex‑UFC fighter Nate Diaz. These wins have helped him gain a measure of legitimacy within the boxing community, though skeptics still question the depth of his competition.
Nevertheless, Bidarian believes the timing is ripe for Paul to settle the score with Fury and demonstrate that he has progressed beyond his earlier shortcomings. "If we're able to come to terms with Tommy, that's the fight that makes the most sense," Bidarian said. "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 sentiment reflects a broader narrative in the sport: two young, media‑savvy fighters who began their careers on YouTube and social platforms now have the chance to prove themselves in a mainstream boxing context. For Paul, the stakes are particularly high.
Coming off a loss to a seasoned heavyweight like Anthony Joshua, he needs to demonstrate that he can rebound and compete at a higher level. "For Jake, coming off the loss to AJ, this is his chance to really demonstrate that he has moved to another level," Bidarian added. "And for Tommy this is his opportunity to say the Jake Paul story has come to an end." The rivalry thus carries a dual narrative—one fighter seeking redemption and the other aiming to cement his superiority.
When asked about the hurdles that could prevent the bout from materialising, Bidarian identified three primary factors: financial considerations, public expectations, and the overall economics of staging such a high‑profile event. "Money, expectations and the reality of the economics" are the key variables that promoters must balance to ensure both fighters receive satisfactory compensation while also delivering a profitable spectacle for broadcasters and sponsors. In the interim, Fury has continued to stay active. 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.
These wins have helped Fury maintain momentum and keep his name in the conversation as a viable opponent for Paul. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already filling up with marquee match‑ups, and the potential Paul‑Fury clash could become one of the headline events of the year. Fans are eager to see whether Paul can translate his social‑media following into genuine in‑ring success, while Fury looks to reinforce his reputation as a rising star capable of handling the spotlight. Beyond the immediate fight negotiations, the upcoming months will likely see both camps engaging in promotional activities, media appearances, and perhaps even a series of public sparring sessions designed to build hype.
The commercial appeal of a Paul‑Fury rematch is significant, given their combined follower bases and the narrative of two internet personalities striving for legitimacy in a traditional sport. Should the bout be confirmed, it will also serve as a litmus test for the evolving relationship between digital influencers and professional boxing.
The sport has increasingly embraced personalities with large online followings, and a successful Paul‑Fury encounter could further solidify this trend, encouraging promoters to seek out other non‑traditional talent pools. In summary, Jake Paul is positioning himself for a comeback by early 2026, with a potential rematch against Tommy Fury at the forefront of his plans. The fight promises to be a compelling storyline of redemption, evolution, and the clash of two modern boxing figures who have built their brands as much online as they have in the ring.
The final outcome will hinge on negotiations, financial terms, and the ability of both fighters to deliver a performance that satisfies both purists and casual fans alike.