Jake Paul announced as surprising opponent for record-breaking British boxer after comeback news
A former British world champion boxer has announced a surprise comeback more than seven years after retiring—and he says he wants to fight Jake Paul, along with four other big names.
Jake Paul hasn’t fought since he was knocked out in the sixth round by two-time heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua in December 2025. During that fight, Paul broke his jaw in two places and had surgery where he got metal plates and some teeth removed.
Earlier in 2026, Paul, known as “The Problem Child,” admitted to combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani that because of his injuries, retirement was a real possibility. But last week, he told ESPN’s Pat McAfee that his recovery is going well and that he’s definitely planning to keep fighting. “We’re in talks with several opponents and working out when I’ll come back,” he said.
He also mentioned that he might try some MMA soon, with big things happening alongside MVP and some ongoing rivalry with the UFC. Paul even hinted at a boxing match against Terence Crawford, a former five-weight world champ, and an MMA fight against UFC favorite Nate Diaz. Paul and Diaz had a boxing match in 2023, which Paul won by unanimous decision.
Now, James DeGale, 40, has stepped up and called out Paul after announcing his own comeback. DeGale made history as the first British boxer to win an Olympic gold and then a world title, capturing the IBF super-middleweight belt in 2015. He had big fights against Caleb Truax, Badou Jack, and Chris Eubank Jr before retiring in 2019.
On July 20, DeGale said he’ll fight Marcus Portman in Wolverhampton on September 26. He told talkSPORT, “I can’t go out the way I did against Eubank. I’ve stayed in shape, and after watching Floyd, I want one more fight.”
He also mentioned how much boxing has changed since he left, talking about YouTube stars like the Misfits and new Saudi involvement. DeGale named Paul, Darren Till, Ty Mitchell, KSI, and Tommy Fury as possible opponents for the future.
DeGale has a pro record of 25 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. Looks like there are some exciting fights ahead!