Jake Paul confirms Christmas Eve return in Dubai

Jake Paul has confirmed that he will return to the ring on December 24 in Dubai. His opponent has yet to be confirmed, but it’s understood that former UFC star Darren Till is among those under consideration.

Paul, 12-2 (7 KOs), was last seen getting his jaw broken by the knockout punch Anthony Joshua delivered in the sixth round of their obscure showdown last December.

In May, the 29-year-old influencer suggested the injury was so severe that he might not return to the ring.

Paul’s career thus far has drawn as much criticism as praise. His appeal to the wider market can’t be denied, but his choice of opposition, pre-Joshua, left plenty to be desired.

Though he can boast victories over an ancient Mike Tyson and a shopworn Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr, most of his opponents were boxing novices. Even so, his adventure shows no sign of coming to an end.

"I've spent years proving people wrong, taking risks, and pushing myself against opponents nobody thought I'd face," Paul said.

"Nothing that's happened has changed my belief in myself or what I'm working toward. I'm hungrier than ever.

"We've got plenty of names on the list; let's see who signs the contract. Merry Christmas, Dubai. Santa Paul is coming to town, and somebody's getting knocked out."

Till is new to boxing. He made a debut of sorts in August last year, knocking out Luke Rockhold on a card staged in Manchester that was not under the auspices of the British Boxing Board of Control.

Regardless, given the 33-year-old’s experience and stature in combat sports, a bout with Paul would likely do sizable business – even if it does little to endear him to hardcore boxing fans.

Jake Paul's record vs. 'boxers'

It could be argued that the first boxer, at least by trade, that Paul encountered was Tommy Fury in 2023. He lost on points over eight rounds.

There have been wins over Andre August and Ryan Bourland but it would be his 2024 eight-round points victory over Mike Tyson, then 58 years old, when his career went to another level.

He followed it with another points win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr the following year. Chavez, though 'only' 39, was many years past his peak.

Paul should get credit for taking on Joshua, however. But he would lose every round before being stopped in six rounds.