Jake Paul sets out return to boxing after suffering hammering defeat against Anthony Joshua

Jake Paul is setting his sights on a cruiserweight boxing comeback before 2026 concludes, according to his business partner at Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).

The 29-year-old American, who rose to fame as an internet personality, has been sidelined since suffering a sixth-round knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua last December.

That loss to the British heavyweight left Paul with a broken jaw, requiring surgery to insert two titanium plates and remove several teeth.

It marked only the second defeat of his boxing career.

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The setback also saw Paul removed from the WBA's cruiserweight rankings, though he now intends to compete at that weight class once more.

His business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, told BBC Sport: "I think his focus is on cruiserweight, outside of a potential boxing match against Francis Ngannou.

"His goal is to return before year-end.

"I saw pictures of him back in the gym with his boxing coach yesterday. So take that for what you will."

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He continued: "I know he has a desire to be back in 2026.

"I think his focus is on cruiserweight, outside of a potential boxing match against Francis Ngannou."

While the cruiserweight division remains Paul's primary focus, a potential heavyweight clash with Francis Ngannou has not been dismissed.

The Cameroonian former UFC heavyweight champion has suffered defeats to both Tyson Fury in 2023 and Joshua in 2024, making him an attractive target for Paul.

Ngannou is scheduled to face Brazilian fighter Philipe Lins on May 16 as part of the undercard for Ronda Rousey's mixed martial arts (MMA) return against Gina Carano, an event promoted by MVP.

The 39-year-old's boxing record has made him an appealing opponent for Paul.

Tensions between the pair flared at a Los Angeles press conference in March, where Paul taunted Ngannou by claiming he had fled from him "like a duck".

Ngannou fired back with a pointed response, saying: "I really didn't want to fight you, but now I want to beat you."

Beyond boxing, Paul has consistently expressed interest in competing in MMA.

Bidarian suggested the victor of the Nate Diaz versus Mike Perry bout on the Rousey-Carano undercard would present an excellent MMA opportunity for Paul.

The American defeated former UFC star Diaz in a 2023 boxing match, while also securing a victory over Perry the following year, though both Diaz and Paul have discussed an MMA rematch.

"I think the winner of that fight is a great MMA match-up for Jake Paul, if he wants to do MMA, which he's always consistently said he does," Bidarian said.

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