Jake Paul to make his boxing comeback in Dubai on Christmas Eve
Jake Paul has chosen Dubai for his return to professional boxing. The American will headline a December 24 event, marking his first professional fight in the city and his first appearance since facing Anthony Joshua last year.
Most Valuable Promotions announced the Christmas Eve contest on October 29. Paul’s opponent remains unconfirmed, with further details expected in the coming weeks.
Returning after the Joshua setback
The Dubai date comes a year after Paul suffered a double fracture of his jaw against former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.
Now 29, Paul enters his comeback with a professional record of 12 wins, two defeats and seven knockouts. He says the setback has strengthened his determination to continue competing.
“I’m hungrier than ever,” Paul said, describing Dubai’s ambition as part of the appeal of making his return in the city.
MVP co-founder and CEO Nakisa Bidarian sees Paul’s decision to resume fighting as evidence of his commitment to boxing after a difficult year. The promotion is finalising an opponent for the event.
From online fame to a global boxing audience
Paul’s move from YouTube into professional boxing has produced some of the sport’s most widely watched events.
His November 2024 victory over Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Texas drew an estimated average audience of 108 million live viewers worldwide on Netflix. The figure rose to 125 million when next-day viewing was included.
The card also attracted 72,300 spectators to the stadium, illustrating the scale of the audience following Paul’s crossover into the ring.
Dubai hosts his next chapter
The December event forms part of a cooperation agreement between MVP, the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
For Paul, the immediate goal is a successful return to competition. For local boxing fans, the announcement brings a new headline event to the city’s winter sporting calendar, with the opponent reveal set to define the challenge awaiting him on Christmas Eve.
