Jake Paul is set to return to the boxing ring against French combat sports star Cédric Doumbé on December 24, 2026. The eight-round professional boxing match will take place at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) officially announced the matchup on November 2. The fight will be contested at the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds, with both fighters using 10-ounce gloves.
The bout will be Paul's first fight since his sixth-round knockout loss to former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025. The defeat left Paul with a broken jaw in two places. He underwent surgery and had two titanium plates fitted, followed by another operation in February 2026 after problems with the plates and screws.
Doumbé brings a different kind of experience into the boxing ring. He is a former two-time GLORY kickboxing world champion with a record of 75 wins, seven losses and one draw in kickboxing, including 45 knockouts. He also has a 6-1 professional MMA record. However, he has only one professional boxing fight on his record, which he won in 2015.
The two fighters have already exchanged words ahead of the contest. Paul described himself as rusty while mocking Doumbé's previous challenges. Doumbé responded by referring to Paul's injury from the Joshua fight, saying he wanted to finish what Joshua started.
The matchup brings together Paul's experience in high-profile boxing events and Doumbé's background as a championship-level kickboxer. Their fight in Dubai will be Paul's first professional boxing appearance in the city.
MVP has also announced that promotional press conferences will take place in Paris on November 10 and Dubai on November 12. Further details about the event, including its broadcast arrangements and additional fights, are expected to be announced.
