Paul (12-2, 7 KOs) hasn't fought since a jaw-shattering sixth-round stoppage defeat to Anthony Joshua last December in Miami.

There were doubts over whether he would ever fight again after having to undergo surgery for his broken jaw, but his comeback has now been confirmed.

Paul will face former two-time Glory kickboxing welterweight champion Cedric Doumbe at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

"Cédric Douchebag was calling me out two years ago after knocking some dude out in nine seconds. Well, Douchebag, now you get your chance,” Paul said. “I'm rusty, my jaw is janky and I don't have kickboxing world titles like you do. But guess what, this isn't kickboxing mon ami. This is boxing. I am going to eat you for dinner in Dubai on Christmas Eve and have a Coca-Cola at the arena to celebrate."

Doumbe has fought once as a boxer before, winning that bout on points in April 2015. As a kickboxer, Cameroonian-Frenchman Doumbe's record is 75-7-1, with 45 knockouts. He finished his career as an MMA fighter, winning six times and losing once.

Doumbe retired after his TKO1 victory over Jaleel Willis in May 2024.

"Jake Paul calls himself the Problem Child, but he's never faced a problem like me,” Doumbe said. “He has no idea what a Frenchman is capable of, and on Thursday, December 24 in Dubai, I'm going to eat 'El Poulet' for dinner. Jake loves to talk, and so do I, but after what Joshua did to his jaw, I'm not sure how much talking he has left. I'm going to finish the job Joshua started. Dubai is a special city to me, and on Christmas Eve, I'll be waving Le Tricolore over his unconscious body. France, this one's for you."

Paul vs. Doumbe will be contested at cruiserweight over eight rounds and both men will wear 10oz gloves.