Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: Blockbuster Fight Set to Break Records
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua are set to earn huge sums from their highly anticipated fight, which will be streamed live on Netflix.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer will take on the former two-time heavyweight champion on Friday at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Paul has a 12-1 professional record, but Joshua presents a far tougher challenge than any opponent he has faced.
In 2024, Paul fought former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, 58, and won by unanimous decision. That fight, also streamed on Netflix, drew 65 million concurrent viewers and became the most-streamed sporting event in history. Tyson reportedly earned $20 million, while Paul took home $40 million.
For the Joshua fight, the prize money is expected to be even bigger. Before the bout was announced, reports suggested a total purse of around £140 million ($184 million), split equally between the fighters. Paul later claimed on social media he is set to earn $267 million (around £200 million).
Sports accountant Oriana Morrison told The Independent: “Even if the lower figure – $184 million – is true, AJ could bring home $92m (£70m). We haven’t seen a boxing match with a purse at this level since Mayweather vs Pacquiao in 2015 or Mayweather vs McGregor in 2017. It’s higher than any Saudi purse to date.”
Despite the enormous money on offer, Joshua is widely expected to win. His promoter Eddie Hearn admitted they have “no real defence” for the fight but said it was impossible to turn down one of Joshua’s biggest paydays. Hearn added the plan is “to knock Jake out asap,” with hopes Joshua will face Tyson Fury next year in an all-British blockbuster.
Paul, however, has remained defiant. Speaking at a public workout, he said: “One of us is going to sleep – that’s what this heavyweight fight is all about. I started my boxing journey here in Miami. We’re bringing it back and I’m going to shock the world and pull off the biggest upset in sports history.”
This clash is expected to break records both in viewership and earnings, making it one of the most lucrative fights in boxing history.
