Jake Paul has officially named kickboxing champion Cedric Doumbe as his opponent for his return to professional boxing in Dubai on Christmas Eve. According to Sky Sports, the matchup will take place on Thursday, December 24, 2026, marking Paul's comeback following his devastating loss to Anthony Joshua.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer suffered a broken jaw when Joshua knocked him out in the sixth round, an injury that required multiple surgeries. ESPN reported that Paul was cleared to resume full-contact training earlier in October after completing his recovery process, paving the way for this Christmas Eve showdown.
Paul's professional record stands at 12-2 with seven knockouts since turning professional. Beyond his loss to Joshua, his only other defeat came at the hands of Tommy Fury in 2023. Earlier in 2024, Paul also competed against then-58-year-old Mike Tyson, adding to his high-profile fight history.
Doumbe brings significant credentials to the ring. The 34-year-old Cameroon-born Frenchman is a former two-time welterweight world champion in kickboxing, boasting a 75-7-1 record with 45 knockouts. Since transitioning to mixed martial arts, he has recorded six knockout victories across his first seven professional bouts, establishing himself as a formidable striker.
His explosive nine-second knockout of Jordan Zebo in September 2023 in Paris became a defining moment in his career, witnessed by French football superstar Kylian Mbappe among others. The victory cemented his reputation as a devastating finisher. Doumbe has one prior professional boxing appearance, having defeated Mohamed Fodil on points in a four-round bout back in 2015.
The contest will be contested as a professionally-sanctioned eight-round cruiserweight clash at 200 pounds with 10-ounce gloves. The event is part of a cooperation agreement between MVP and Dubai Sports Council alongside Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, though specific venue and broadcast details remain to be confirmed.
Paul addressed the announcement with characteristic confidence, drawing comparisons to heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk's recent victory over Rico Verhoeven.
Cedric [Doumbe] was calling me out two years ago after knocking some dude [Zebo] out in nine seconds. Well, now you get your chance. I'm rusty, my jaw is janky and I don't have kickboxing world titles like you do. But guess what, this isn't kickboxing mon ami. This is BOXING. Just like [Oleksandr] Usyk feasted on Rico Verhoeven, I am going to eat you for dinner in Dubai on Christmas Eve.
Doumbe responded with equal intensity, suggesting that Paul's recent injury history could work in his favour.
Jake Paul calls himself the Problem Child, but he's never faced a problem like me. Jake loves to talk, and so do I, but after what Joshua did to his jaw, I'm not sure how much talking he has left. I'm going to finish the job Joshua started.
The matchup represents a significant test for Paul as he attempts to rebuild his boxing credentials following his knockout loss. Doumbe's striking pedigree and recent success in combat sports make him a dangerous opponent, particularly given Paul's acknowledged ring rust and ongoing recovery from his jaw injury.
What comes next
The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 24, 2026, though the specific venue, ticket information, and broadcast arrangements have not yet been announced. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Paul can overcome both his physical recovery and a challenger with elite striking credentials in one of boxing's most anticipated comeback fights.
