Jake Paul, the prominent YouTuber-turned-boxer, expects to re-enter the boxing ring either late this year or in early 2027. His previous match in December 2025 against heavyweight Anthony Joshua resulted in a sixth-round TKO loss, during which Paul suffered a severe double broken jaw after being knocked down four times by “AJ.”
Immediately following the defeat, the 29-year-old underwent surgery. His recovery involved the surgical insertion of two titanium plates to stabilize his fractured jaw and the removal of several teeth. Recently, “The Problem Child” had a second jaw surgery and is currently not cleared to spar. Despite these ongoing medical restrictions, he maintains his projection for a fight later in 2026 or early 2027.
At a press conference for the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event, Paul informed the media, “I expect to return later this year. I recently had my second surgery, and doctors advised it will take approximately four to six months before I can even spar, to allow the bone to properly heal.”
Former Heavyweight Champion Targets Jake Paul: “I’m interested in beating his a*s”
Former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who recently departed from the PFL, is slated for his MMA return on May 16. This event, held in a hexagon cage, marks Netflix’s inaugural live MMA broadcast and Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)’s first MMA venture. “The Predator” is set to face former UFC light heavyweight Philipe Lins in the co-main event, preceding a five-round featherweight main event featuring women’s MMA pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
Ngannou had previously expressed disinterest in a boxing match with Paul, regardless of the potential financial benefits. However, “The Predator” has since changed his stance. During the Rousey vs. Carano press conference, he stated, “I’m not interested in just fighting Jake Paul; I’m interested in thoroughly defeating him… I believe you [Jake Paul] acted disrespectfully, like a small boy who didn’t understand, and that’s why I now want to assertively beat you. I genuinely didn’t want to fight you before, but now I do.”
Paul swiftly responded, “I’m ready. I’ve always been ready. You were a potential opponent before Anthony Joshua, and you avoided the challenge. I also doubt you expected me to last longer against Anthony than you did. So, you know I’ve put in the work in boxing, and I would love for that fight to happen someday… Let’s make it happen.”
