Jake Paul has said he will retire from boxing if he loses to former kickboxing world champion Cedric Doumbe on Christmas Eve. The 29-year-old makes his return to the ring on December 24, a year after he was knocked out by Anthony Joshua.
Paul has been recovering from a broken jaw sustained in the clash with the former two-time heavyweight world champion. His meeting with Doumbe will be contested at cruiserweight over eight three-minute rounds.
Paul's Retirement Promise
Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of the bout, Paul said: "This is a dangerous fight. Cedric has been in there with killers his whole career. He's a two-time world champion and he's not scared of anybody, including me 'The Vanilla Gorilla'."
He added: "But this is my sport. No kicks, no takedowns, and no glass on the floor, we checked. 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."
Paul's last win in the ring came in June 2025 against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., months after his victory over Mike Tyson.
Fan Reaction to the Fight
Following the announcement, fans expressed frustration at the matchup. One commented: "Just another no name that has some fighting accolades so Jake can get SOME credit when he flatlines the guy." Another questioned: "Back to MMA guys, really?"
Doumbe, 34, switched to MMA in 2021 after conquering the world of kickboxing. He has not fought since knocking out Jaleel Willis over two years ago, and his only boxing experience came in a points win over Mohamed Fodil in 2015.
