Jake Paul's 2026 Comeback Plan and Cruiserweight Ambition Revealed
Jake Paul is targeting a dramatic return to professional boxing in 2026, with plans to move back down to the cruiserweight division following his punishing defeat to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. This strategic shift has been confirmed by Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), who provided an extensive update on Paul's condition and future ambitions.
The Aftermath of a Heavyweight Battle
Paul's encounter with Joshua in Miami proved to be a brutal affair that left the YouTube star-turned-boxer with significant injuries. Drafted in on just five weeks' notice after initially preparing for a bout against Gervonta Davis at a lower weight, Paul faced one of boxing's most formidable heavyweights. Despite surviving six rounds, Paul was dropped twice in the fifth round and twice more in the sixth, prompting the referee to stop the contest.
The physical toll was severe: Paul later revealed on social media that he needed to consume liquids through a straw for a week and had several teeth removed. Medical examinations subsequently confirmed he had suffered a broken jaw in two places, requiring surgical intervention that is expected to sideline him for several months.
Bidarian's Assessment and Future Vision
Providing insight into Paul's recovery and mindset, Bidarian stated: 'He's doing great. He wants to be back in 2026 but more importantly, like we're here today because of Jake Paul.' The promoter emphasized Paul's continued centrality to MVP's growth strategy despite the setback, highlighting how Paul's influence has transformed the promotional landscape.
Bidarian elaborated on Paul's championship aspirations, confirming: 'He's looking to become a champion at cruiserweight. He's not looking to stay at heavyweight. Remember, he wasn't cutting weight to get to 195 to fight, and on five weeks' notice he flipped it to fight one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. I commend him for his courage.'
The promoter offered a surprisingly positive assessment of Paul's performance against Joshua, noting: 'I thought he had an outstanding performance overall. When you think about it, he lasted longer than 18 of Anthony Joshua's previous opponents. With a real training camp, I'm sure he would have lasted eight rounds.'
Commercial Impact and Ranking Controversy
Bidarian dismissed concerns about Paul dropping out of the WBA cruiserweight rankings following the defeat, arguing: 'Everyone wants him not to be in the rankings. I don't really care. He is the biggest draw in boxing. Anthony Joshua was a much bigger boxer today after his fight with Jake Paul, and that doesn't happen without Jake Paul.'
The promoter credited Paul with revolutionizing boxing's media landscape, stating: 'Jake Paul brought boxing to Netflix. He has been such a boost to the sport, and whether they want to rank him or not, it doesn't matter - people are going to tune in and watch. He's the most followed active boxer in the world and the most followed promoter in the world.'
Potential Future Opponents and UK Return
Looking ahead to Paul's eventual return, Bidarian revealed divergent visions for potential matchups. 'In his mind, it's Canelo Alvarez,' Bidarian acknowledged, referencing the Mexican superstar. However, the promoter suggested a more practical alternative: 'In my mind, I would love to see him and Tommy Fury run it back. I think that's the perfect fight. But more importantly, I would love for him to come to the UK and do a fight.'
Bidarian highlighted the symbolic significance of a UK return for Paul, who began his boxing journey there in 2018 with an amateur fight against a fellow YouTuber. 'For him to come back here, I think would be pretty monumental. With the partners we have here, it would be the perfect fit,' he added.
MVP's Expansion and Paul's Legacy
The revelations came as MVP announced its first UK show, headlined by world title fights featuring Caroline Dubois versus Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney against Mayelli Flores. Bidarian directly connected this expansion to Paul's commercial influence, noting how MVP's early commitment to women's boxing—exemplified by Amanda Serrano's headline fights—was initially met with skepticism but has since proven visionary.
'None of this happens without Jake Paul, and so whether he's in the ring or outside the ring, his impact is felt,' Bidarian concluded, underscoring how Paul's profile continues to drive the promotion's growth even during his recovery period.
