Jake Paul has confirmed French combat sports star Cédric Doumbé as his next boxing opponent. The two fighters will face each other on Christmas Eve, December 24, at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The matchup marks Paul’s first appearance in the ring since his defeat to Anthony Joshua in December 2025.
Jake Paul announced Cédric Doumbé as his next opponent
On November 2, Paul shared a promotional video referencing the French fighter’s previous challenge, which followed his nine-second knockout victory over Jordan Zebo in 2023.
“Cedric Douchebag was calling me out two years ago after knocking some dude out in nine seconds,” Paul said in a press release.
He then directly addressed the French fighter, saying, “Well, Douchebag, now you get your chance.”
Paul also acknowledged his physical condition ahead of his return.
“I’m rusty, my jaw is janky and I don’t have kickboxing world titles like you do,” Paul said. He followed that statement by emphasizing the difference between their fighting disciplines.
“But guess what, this isn’t kickboxing, mon ami. This is BOXING.”
The Christmas Eve event will mark Paul’s first fight since December 2025. He previously faced heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who defeated him. The fight left Paul with a serious jaw injury.
Paul required multiple surgeries during his recovery. His treatment included tooth extractions and titanium plates. The lengthy recovery kept him away from professional competition.
The upcoming contest will feature eight professionally sanctioned cruiserweight rounds. Both fighters will wear 10-ounce gloves.
Doumbé, 34, was born in Cameroon and represents France professionally. He previously became a multiple-time world champion in kickboxing before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2021.
He currently competes under the Professional Fighters League banner. His record includes two victories across his last three fights since 2023. However, he has only one professional boxing appearance, winning in 2015.
Paul enters the matchup with a professional boxing record of 12 wins and two losses. His defeats came against Tommy Fury and Anthony Joshua.
His return gives him another opportunity to regain momentum in his boxing career.
