Jake Paul is positioning himself for 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). Paul’s last appearance in a bout was a sixth‑round loss to Anthony Joshua in December 2025, a fight that left him with a double fracture in his jaw after a brutal exchange with the British heavyweight champion. Since that defeat, the former YouTube sensation has undergone extensive rehabilitation, regained his physical condition, and set a clear timeline for a comeback within roughly five months. Bidarian told Sky Sports that the promotional team is targeting the end of the calendar year or early January for Paul’s re‑entry into the sport.
"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 that the schedule is being shaped around Paul’s recovery and readiness to compete again. Paul’s loss to Joshua marked only the second blemish on his 14‑fight record. The first was a split‑decision defeat to Tommy Fury in 2023, a closely contested match in which Paul was knocked down in the final round but managed to stay on his feet until the judges rendered a decision.
Despite these setbacks, Paul has built a résumé that includes victories over notable names such as former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, former middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr., and mixed‑martial‑arts veteran Nate Diaz. Those wins have helped him earn a measure of credibility within the boxing community and have set the stage for a potential redemption fight against Fury. "If we're able to come to terms with Tommy, that's the fight that makes the most sense," Bidarian explained. She added that the circumstances have shifted dramatically since their first encounter three years ago, creating a perfect platform for both fighters to demonstrate how much they have evolved.
"For Jake, coming off the loss to AJ, this is his chance to really demonstrate that he has moved to another level, and for Tommy this is his opportunity to say the Jake Paul story has come to an end," she noted, highlighting the high‑stakes narrative that could surround the bout. When asked about the hurdles that could prevent the rematch from materializing, Bidarian identified three primary factors: financial considerations, public expectations, and the broader economics of the sport. "Money, expectations and the reality of the economics," she said, indicating that negotiations will need to satisfy both camps while also delivering a financially viable event for promoters and broadcasters. Since Paul’s loss to Joshua, Fury has continued to stay active, securing wins over fellow YouTuber KSI via points decision and defeating former World's Strongest Man competitor Eddie Hall by majority decision in a Misfits Boxing exhibition in June.
These victories have kept Fury in the public eye and have added further intrigue to a possible second meeting with Paul, as both athletes now carry fresh momentum and a desire to prove themselves against each other. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is packed with high‑profile matchups, and both Paul and Fury are looking to position themselves prominently within that landscape.
Streaming platforms such as NOW and traditional broadcasters like Sky Sports are gearing up to showcase these events, offering fans multiple ways to watch live fights and related content. In addition to the potential Paul‑Fury clash, the MVP promotion is set to feature other notable bouts, including a women's undisputed world title fight at 118 pounds between Cherneka Johnson and Dina Thorslund, scheduled to air live on Sky Sports Action.
As the year draws to a close, the boxing world will be watching closely to see whether negotiations between MVP and Fury’s camp can overcome the financial and logistical obstacles. If a deal is reached, a Paul‑Fury rematch could serve as a defining moment for both fighters: a chance for Paul to rebound from his jaw‑breaking defeat and demonstrate that his skill set has matured, and an opportunity for Fury to cement his standing by finally putting the Paul saga to rest.
The anticipation is building, and fans can expect intense promotional buildup, media speculation, and perhaps a few surprise twists before the final contract is signed. Regardless of the outcome, Jake Paul’s determination to step back into the ring by January underscores his commitment to the sport and his belief that he still has a compelling story to tell inside the squared circle. With his recovery complete, his training camp back in full swing, and a clear target set in Tommy Fury, the next few months promise to be a pivotal period for the former internet star turned professional boxer.