Jake Paul’s 2026 UK Return: Sky Sports Deal

The "Problem Child" is planning a massive return to the British ring in 2026. Following his devastating sixth-round knockout loss to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025, Jake Paul has revealed that his path to redemption leads straight back to the UK—the place where his boxing journey began with a 2018 white-collar bout in Manchester.

This comeback is fueled by a landmark broadcasting partnership between Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Sky Sports, which has effectively opened the door for Paul to headline major events across the Atlantic.

1. Recovery from the Joshua KO

The December 19, 2025, fight in Miami was a brutal physical setback for Paul. Despite a defensive strategy that helped him survive the early rounds, a flurry in the sixth round ended with a clean knockout.

• The Injury: The 2026 files confirm Paul suffered four fractures in his jaw and required surgery to fit two titanium plates and replace several teeth.

• Timeline for Return: Paul's manager, Nakisa Bidarian, stated that Paul is expected to resume sparring in June 2026, with a professional return to the ring targeted for August to November 2026.

2. The Sky Sports Deal: A Strategic Shift

In February 2026, MVP officially announced a multi-event broadcast deal with Sky Sports. This is a significant pivot for Paul, who has previously relied heavily on DAZN and Netflix.

• Market Access: The deal gives Paul a direct platform to reach the UK audience, bypassing the promotional hurdles that previously kept his largest fights in the US or Saudi Arabia.

• Women's Boxing Focus: The partnership will also showcase MVP’s female roster, including British world champion Caroline Dubois, who is scheduled to fight in London on April 5, 2026.

3. "Full-Circle": The Search for an Opponent

Bidarian has emphasized that Paul’s return to the UK should be a "full-circle" moment. Three names have emerged as the frontrunners for a 2026 UK showdown:

• Tommy Fury (The Rematch): The most obvious choice. Fury handed Paul his first professional loss in 2023. A rematch in a UK stadium is seen as a "guaranteed sell-out."

• Viddal Riley: The unbeaten British cruiserweight and former trainer of KSI. Riley represents a "legitimate" boxing challenge that would silence critics who doubt Paul's technical ability.

• Darren Till: The former UFC standout from Liverpool has transitioned to boxing (4-0) and has been vocal about wanting a high-profile "scrap" with the American.

4. A Fight for Respect

Returning to the UK after being knocked out by Britain’s premier heavyweight is seen as a high-risk, high-reward move. Bidarian told The Sun on February 11, 2026, that fighting in the UK would "show courage" and help Paul win over the skeptical British public.

"He began with one amateur bout in Manchester, and he ended up in the ring with Anthony Joshua. Coming back to that same market to prove he's still here... that's the story we want to tell."

Source - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/international-sports/jake-paul-targets-uk-comeback-after-brutal-anthony-joshua-ko-as-sky-sports-deal-opens-door-to-full-circle-fight/articleshow/128205070.cms

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