By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Jake Paul has promised to retire from boxing if he loses his Christmas Eve cruiserweight bout against MMA star Cedric Doumbe in Dubai. The professionally sanctioned fight is scheduled for December 24 at the Coca-Cola Arena.
Comeback After Jaw Injury
The 29-year-old American's return follows a sixth-round stoppage defeat at the end of 2025 in which Anthony Joshua broke Paul's jaw. Paul has also previously lost a points decision to Tommy Fury, the brother of Tyson Fury.
Opponent Background
Doumbe is a former two-time Glory welterweight world champion in kickboxing who has boxed only once before, in 2015. The bout will have a 200lb weight limit; Doumbe has predominantly competed at 170lb, while Paul weighed 227lb for his fight against Mike Tyson.
War of Words
Paul said on social media: "If he wins, I will hang up the gloves and call it a day, but if he loses, the man who calls himself 'The Best' just got beat up by a YouTuber with a titanium jaw." Doumbe responded via press release: "Jake Paul calls himself the 'Problem Child', but he's never faced a problem like me. I'm going to finish the job Joshua started."
Fighters' Records
Paul holds a 12-2 record with losses to Joshua and Fury, but wins over Tyson, former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. His biggest fight was the 2024 contest with Tyson, who was 58 at the time, which Paul won on points.
