The eight-round cruiserweight bout, contested with 200 pounds and 10-ounce gloves, marks Paul’s first professional fight in Dubai. The bout pits the social media star-turned-boxer against the former two-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion and
Professional fighter league MMA contender.
Jake Paul and Cedric Doumbe trade knockout predictions ahead of their December 24 boxing match in Dubai
Paul (12-2, 7 KOs) and Doumbe (1-0 boxing) met at the Cambon Pavilion in Paris, where both fighters promised a knockout on Christmas Eve.
Paul dismissed Doumbe’s extensive combat sports experience, arguing that his opponent’s kickboxing and MMA achievements do not equate to success in the boxing ring.
“Kickboxing isn’t going to help him, folks. On December 24th, legs are just used for transportation. That’s boxing. He’s going to learn a very, very hard lesson. And at the end of the day, he’s still a tune-up fight for me.”
Doumbe, who owns a 75-7-1 kickboxing record with 45 knockouts and a 6-1 MMA record with six knockouts, responded by questioning Paul’s legitimacy as a boxer.
“This guy is a joke. He’s a really great YouTuber, but he’s not a fighter. He’s not even a good boxer.”
The French fighter said he was more concerned about hitting the cruiserweight limit than preparing for Paul’s ability.
“I don’t train to beat him. I train to lose weight. That’s why I train.”
Despite the exchange of words, Paul acknowledged Doumbe’s striking credentials and said he was taking the meeting seriously.
“He’s a KO artist. He’s a two-time world champion. He’s the highest in his pedigree.”
Paul predicted he would finish Doumbe in the third or fourth round, citing what he described as defensive weaknesses and predictable shots.
Doumbe offered a different outlook, suggesting he could end the fight early or extend it into the later rounds.
“Oh, I’ll knock him out in the second round or the seventh or the eighth round.”
The stakes got personal when Paul was asked if he would quit professional boxing if Doumbe defeated him.
“100% retiring if I lose to this guy. Sure, like 100%. Definitely. Definitely, definitely.”
Paul also reiterated his ambition to become a world boxing champion within the next two to three years, describing the upcoming fight as another step towards that goal.
