American star Jake Paul is targeting a return to boxing by January, with a rematch against Tommy Fury making the most sense for his comeback fight, according to Most Valuable Promotions partner Nakisa Bidarian.
Paul has not competed in the ring since suffering a sixth-round defeat to Anthony Joshua in December 2025. The YouTuber-turned-boxer suffered a jaw broken in two places at the hands of the British heavyweight, but he has recovered and rehabilitated to set his sights on a comeback within the next five months.
"In terms of timing, we continue to focus on the end of this year or January. That's the timeline for his return," Bidarian told Sky Sports.
Rematch terms and career record
The loss to Joshua was the second defeat of Paul's 14-fight career. The only other blemish on his record came against Fury in 2023, a split decision points loss after the Brit was floored in the final round.
Victories over former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson, former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, and ex-UFC star Nate Diaz have helped Paul earn credibility in the sport. Bidarian now believes the time is right to avenge his defeat to Fury.
"If we're able to come to terms with Tommy, that's the fight that makes the most sense," Bidarian said. "If you think about where they were three years ago, it's the perfect opportunity to show the world that both of them have evolved as boxers."
"For Jake, coming off the loss to AJ, this is his chance to really demonstrate that he has moved to another level, and for Tommy this is his opportunity to say the Jake Paul story has come to an end," Bidarian added.
Negotiations and future opponents
Asked what obstacles stood between Paul and Fury signing a second fight, Bidarian replied: "Money, expectations and the reality of the economics."
Bidarian, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer of Most Valuable Promotions, stated that Paul will 100 percent return to the ring. Beyond Fury, Paul also has Francis Ngannou, Chris Eubank Jr, and Ryan Garcia in his sights.
Since his victory over Paul, Fury has beaten YouTuber KSI on points. Fury also defeated former World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall by majority decision in a Misfits Boxing exhibition bout in June.
Broadcasting and upcoming schedule
Highlights of the fight between Paul and Joshua, during which Paul admitted he thinks he broke his jaw, remain available to watch globally only on Netflix, courtesy of Netflix and MVP.
Additionally, Cherneka Johnson and Dina Thorslund will battle for the undisputed world title at 118 pounds on MVP-05 this Sunday. The event airs live from 3:00 am on Sky Sports Action and can be streamed contract-free on NOW.
