American boxer and influencer Jake Paul has announced that his return to the ring, following a serious jaw injury, will take place in Dubai. The fight is scheduled for Thursday, December 24, 2026 — Christmas Eve — with his opponent yet to be officially confirmed, though reports have linked names such as Darren Till and Chris Eubank Jr to the bout.
Paul suffered a double jaw fracture during his December 2025 knockout loss to Anthony Joshua, an injury that required surgery and the insertion of titanium plates, casting uncertainty over his future in the ring.
Announcing the comeback, Paul said: "I'm hungrier than ever, and on Thursday, December 24, I'm returning to the ring in Dubai to start the next chapter of my journey." The event will be staged by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the company Paul co-founded.
MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian underlined the scale of the event, saying: "This is more than a fight. It's a global event in one of the world's great destination cities, on one of the most special nights of the year." Further details, including Paul's opponent, are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The choice of Dubai for such a high-profile bout reinforces the city's growing reputation as a host for major international sporting and entertainment events.