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 appearance inside the ropes was a high‑profile bout against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025, a fight that ended in a sixth‑round stoppage and left Paul with a double fracture of his jaw. Since that defeat, the former YouTube star has devoted himself to a rigorous rehabilitation program, regaining strength and confidence as he prepares for a comeback within the next five months. Bidarian confirmed to Sky Sports that the promotional team is targeting "the end of this year or January" for Paul’s re‑entry into competition.
The timeline reflects both Paul’s physical recovery and the strategic desire to secure a marquee opponent who can generate significant interest and revenue. In this context, a rematch with Tommy Fury, who previously handed Paul a narrow split‑decision loss in 2023 after a dramatic knock‑down in the final round, appears to be the most compelling option.
Paul’s record currently stands at 14 fights with two losses: the recent setback against Joshua and the earlier defeat to Fury. Aside from those two setbacks, Paul has amassed a series of high‑profile victories that have helped him transition from internet personality to a recognized figure in professional boxing.
Notable wins include a technical knockout over former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, a decision victory against former middleweight world champion Julio César Chávez Jr., and a knockout of ex‑UFC competitor Nate Diaz. These successes have lent him a measure of credibility in a sport that often views crossover athletes with skepticism.
Bidarian emphasized that a second encounter with Fury would serve multiple narratives. "If we can reach an agreement with Tommy, that fight makes the most sense," she said.
"Looking back at where both fighters were three years ago, this bout would be an ideal showcase of how far each has progressed as a boxer." For Paul, the fight represents an opportunity to prove that he has moved beyond the level of his previous opponents and can compete with elite talent after a serious injury. For Fury, it offers a chance to settle the score and demonstrate that the earlier loss to Paul was an anomaly rather than a sign of vulnerability.
When asked about the hurdles that might prevent the fight from materialising, Bidarian identified three primary factors: financial considerations, public expectations, and the broader economics of the sport. Negotiating a purse that satisfies both camps, managing fan anticipation for a high‑stakes rematch, and ensuring the event is financially viable in a crowded boxing calendar are all critical components that must align.
Since Paul’s loss to Joshua, Fury has remained active, adding wins to his résumé that bolster his standing. He defeated fellow YouTuber KSI on points and later bested former World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall via majority decision in a Misfits Boxing exhibition in June. These victories have kept Fury in the public eye and have positioned him as a logical opponent for Paul’s resurgence.
The broader boxing landscape in 2026 is packed with significant match‑ups, and promoters are eager to capitalize on the crossover appeal of internet‑born athletes. Platforms such as NOW and Sky Sports are promoting contract‑free streaming options and dedicated podcasts like Toe2Toe to engage fans across multiple channels. Additionally, upcoming events such as the MVP‑05 card, featuring a women's undisputed world title bout between Cherneka Johnson and Dina Thorslund, illustrate the sport’s expanding diversity and marketability.
In summary, Jake Paul’s path back to the ring is being carefully plotted with a focus on timing, opponent selection, and financial logistics. A rematch with Tommy Fury stands out as a compelling narrative that could attract widespread attention, offering both fighters a chance to demonstrate growth and resilience after previous setbacks.
Should the negotiations succeed, the fight could serve as a pivotal moment in Paul’s career, signaling his evolution from a novelty act to a serious contender in the heavyweight division, while also providing Fury an opportunity to reaffirm his status as a rising star in the sport.