Paul Opens As Massive Favorite Over Doumbe

Jake Paul opened as a heavy favorite for his Christmas Eve boxing return against former kickboxing champion Cedric Doumbe, according to MMA Mania. BetOnline installed Paul at -500 with Doumbe listed at +340 for the Dec. 24 bout in Dubai.

The line reflects a significant size disparity. Paul holds a four-inch edge in both height and reach while carrying 30-40 pounds more than Doumbe, continuing a pattern that has defined most of his boxing career. Paul has fought as an underdog just once in his career, a bout that reportedly sent him to the hospital for several days.

Paul Returns After Joshua Injury

The fight marks Paul's first appearance since Anthony Joshua broke his jaw last year in Miami. Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian framed the matchup as a comeback statement. "This Christmas Eve, Jake Paul returns to the ring after a year of uncertainty about his jaw and boxing career," Bidarian said in a release cited by the report. "Well in typical 'El Gallo' fashion, he's charging all the way back in and facing a multi-time world kickboxing champion."

Doumbe brings extensive striking credentials but minimal boxing experience. The Frenchman owns one professional boxing win and compiled over 70 kickboxing bouts before transitioning to mixed martial arts, where he posted a 6-1 record. He last competed under the Bellator banner in May 2024.

Promoters have not announced an undercard or streaming partner for the Dubai event. Netflix will not carry the broadcast. Paul holds a 12-2 record with seven knockouts, while Doumbe stands 1-0 with one stoppage in the sweet science.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Jake Paul odds: ‘El Gallo’ jumps out to huge betting favorite over Cedric Doumbe for Dec. 24 boxing match