Jake Paul has announced his ring return for August 13.
The YouTube star will make his sixth appearance as a professional fighter against an opponent yet to be named. Former UFC world champion Anderson Silva is among the likely challengers, along with Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight world champion Tyson.
Paul made his boxing debut in 2020 when he stopped fellow social media star AnEsonGib before he knocked out former basketball player Nate Robinson. Paul, 25, then turned his attention to retired mixed martial artists with Ben Askren also folding early.
Paul was then taken the eight-round distance by Tyron Woodley last year before being forced to take on the former UFC welterweight champion for a second time when Fury pulled out of their scheduled December bout. Their sequel was over in the sixth round when Paul KO'd his rival in stunning fashion.
Since stopping Woodley, Paul had been focusing on promoting stablemate Amanda Serrano's undisputed clash with Katie Taylor, securing the Puerto Rican a seven-figure purse. Serrano was outpointed by Ireland's Taylor in New York on Saturday night after an epic back-and-forth clash.
And Paul has now turned his attention to his own career which he insists can end with a world title around his waist. The American plans to fight 10 times before making the switch to the MMA cage.
Along with Silva and Fury, Paul has also mentioned retired UFC star Michael Bisping, ring legend Floyd Mayweather and heavyweight great Mike Tyson as potential opponents. But it is nigh on impossible that any of the trio would be licensed to fight professionally.
Fury had hoped to make a statement last month when he fought on the undercard of Tyson's stoppage win over Dillian Whyte at Wembley. But the Love Island runner-up was taken the distance by overmatched Pole Daniel Bocianski, leaving Paul unimpressed.
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"Yes and no," Paul told Mirror Fighting when asked if Fury's lacklustre performance at Wembley had cost him the rescheduled fight. "It obviously was a mediocre performance, but what do you expect from a mediocre guy? He's better at talking than he is at fighting.
"There could be interest there. I want to see the Anderson Silva fight and how he does, how he looks. There are other talks with Mike Tyson and other names under the table so really we're just looking for the best opportunity. For me, Tommy is an easy fight, so maybe I'll just run it up, get a quick knockout and then move on from there, But maybe not."
