Jake Paul is gearing up for a return to the boxing ring, 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 bout with Anthony Joshua, a fight that ended in a sixth‑round stoppage and left Paul with a double fracture in his jaw. After an extensive period of medical treatment and physical rehabilitation, Paul has announced that he intends to step back into the squared circle within the next five months, targeting either the end of the calendar year or the early weeks of January for his comeback.
Bidarian confirmed to Sky Sports that the promotional team is focusing on a timeline that would see Paul back in action no later than 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 said, underscoring the urgency with which the camp is moving. The plan, however, hinges on a number of variables, including negotiations with a potential opponent, financial considerations, and the broader market dynamics of the sport.
Paul's loss to Joshua marks only the second defeat in his fourteen‑fight professional record. The first blemish came in 2023, when he fell to Tommy Fury by a split‑decision points loss after Fury was knocked down in the final round. Despite those setbacks, Paul has built a respectable résumé that includes victories over former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, former middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr., and former UFC star Nate Diaz. Those wins have helped him earn a measure of legitimacy among boxing fans and have positioned him as a draw capable of generating significant pay‑per‑view revenue.
The prospect of a rematch with Fury is especially appealing to MVP because it offers a narrative of redemption and evolution. "If we're able to come to terms with Tommy, that's the fight that makes the most sense," Bidarian 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." In this scenario, Paul would have the chance to prove that he has progressed beyond the level that cost him the previous decision, while Fury would be looking to cement his own standing by definitively ending the Paul saga.
Bidarian also highlighted the stakes for each fighter. "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 said. The framing positions the bout as a pivotal moment for both athletes, with the potential to reshape their trajectories in the sport.
When asked about the hurdles that could prevent the fight from materialising, Bidarian cited three primary factors: money, expectations, and the economics of modern boxing. "Money, expectations and the reality of the economics," she replied, acknowledging that while fan interest may be high, the financial terms must satisfy both camps and the promoters involved.
Since Paul’s last fight, Fury has remained active, securing wins over fellow YouTuber KSI via points decision and defeating former World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall by majority decision in a Misfits Boxing exhibition in June. Those victories have kept Fury in the public eye and have demonstrated his ability to handle a variety of opponents, further justifying his selection as Paul’s most logical adversary for a comeback bout.
The broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to fill out, with major events slated across multiple platforms, including contract‑free streaming options on NOW and live broadcasts on Sky Sports Action. Fans can also follow the sport’s latest developments via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel, which offers real‑time updates, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis. In summary, Jake Paul’s team is actively pursuing a return to competition, eyeing a high‑profile rematch with Tommy Fury as the centerpiece of that comeback. The timeline is set for late 2025 or early 2026, contingent on successful negotiations and the alignment of financial and promotional interests.
Should the fight come together, it promises to be a defining moment for both fighters, offering Paul a chance to showcase his growth after a serious injury and giving Fury an opportunity to close the chapter on one of his most publicized rivals.