Jake Paul Targets Late-Year Return, Eyes Usyk MMA Bout

Jake Paul plans to return to boxing later this year once he has fully recovered from a broken jaw sustained in his six-round outing with former world champion Anthony Joshua. He is still healing and not yet ready to absorb sparring punches, but says the injury is improving day by day.

Paul told Sky Sports that he loves every part of fighting, even the hardships that come with it, and believes he still has more to achieve in the ring. He expects to be able to start light sparring in about four to five months and suggested a comeback fight could be possible in November or December, depending on how training goes.

The injury has not changed his broader plans. In the past he pursued crossover bouts, including interest in fighting former UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou, but he said he is no longer entertaining another contest with Tommy Fury after repeated failed negotiations.

Now promoting an MMA event, Paul also says he is serious about the idea of facing unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in a mixed martial arts match. He stressed that he needs to begin MMA-specific training first and that several practical steps remain before any such fight can be finalized.