Jake Paul named as shock opponent for record-breaking British boxer after comeback announcement

A former British world champion boxer has claimed he wants to fight Jake Paul, as well as four other stars, after announcing a surprise comeback more than seven years after his retirement.

Paul has not fought since he suffered a brutal sixth-round knockout against two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025.

The American suffered a double jaw break during the bout and later underwent surgery, having two metal plates fitted and teeth removed.

Earlier in 2026, ‘The Problem Child’ admitted that his future in professional boxing was uncertain due to his injuries, telling combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani that retirement was “definitely in the realm of possibility”.

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However, it appears that Paul will fight on, telling ESPN’s Pat McAfee last week that his recovery was going well while revealing: “I'm definitely still fighting; we are in talks right now with multiple opponents, and we're figuring out when to come back.”

He added: “I’m gonna get cleared, like officially, to spar in the next couple of weeks. I’m gonna get back to it and keep on fighting.

“Maybe do some MMA. We’ve got a lot of stuff with MVP coming soon. Big promotions, getting more into the whole MMA world.

“The feud between MVP MMA and UFC continues.”

Paul also teased a boxing match against former five-weight world champion Terence Crawford, as well as an MMA debut against UFC cult hero Nate Diaz. The pair previously boxed in 2023, with Paul winning by unanimous decision.

British boxing legend calls out Jake Paul

Now, James DeGale, 40, has directly called out Paul after announcing his comeback more than seven years after hanging up his gloves.

DeGale made history when he became the first British boxer to win an Olympic gold medal and then a world title when he beat Andre Dirrell to capture the IBF super-middleweight title in 2015.

The Londoner had notable fights against Caleb Truax, Badou Jack and Chris Eubank Jr, after which he retired in 2019.

On Monday (July 20), DeGale announced he will fight Marcus Portman in Wolverhampton on September 26.

"I can't go out how I went out against Eubank," DeGale told talkSPORT.

"I've stayed in shape, and after Floyd, I want to have one more in boxing.

"Boxing has changed since I left. There is Misfits, and the Saudis have come in.”

DeGale then cited Paul, Darren Till, Ty Mitchell, KSI and Tommy Fury as possible future opponents.

The Brit boasts a professional boxing record of 25 wins, one draw and three losses.