Anthony Joshua is set to earn an estimated £70 million from a potential mega-fight with internet sensation–turned–boxer Jake Paul, as negotiations advance for a December showdown in Miami.
Insiders confirm that the proposed bout carries a massive £140 million prize purse, expected to be split evenly between the two fighters once the deal is sealed.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed on Thursday that discussions are ongoing, noting that no agreement has been finalised yet. The fight would mark Joshua’s return to the ring after more than a year away following his defeat to Daniel Dubois.
Despite remaining cautious, sources indicate that an official announcement could be made as early as next week. The bout will be recognised as a full professional fight under Queensbury rules, not an exhibition.
A key factor driving the negotiations is Netflix’s interest in broadcasting the event. The streaming giant, which is currently producing a documentary on Joshua, previously aired Paul’s November 2024 bout with Mike Tyson, drawing over 60 million viewers.
Paul’s collapsed fight with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis reignited talks with Joshua’s team after more than a year of speculation surrounding a potential meeting between the pair.
“It is not done yet,” Hearn told Daily Mail Sport.
“There has been a lot of gun jumping on this. Jake Paul would be mad to take the fight, but we are in talks. We were discussing a very low-key fight for AJ, but an opportunity has come up to make 50 times more money.”
Responding to critics who claim the fight could harm Joshua’s legacy, Hearn added:
“Would it be great for Joshua’s legacy? No. But he’s a two-time heavyweight world champion and an Olympic gold medallist. This is an opportunity — and fair play to Paul if he’s ready to step into that ring, because AJ won’t be messing about.”
Paul enters the negotiations with a 12-1 professional record, built largely against lesser-known opponents and retired legends. His only loss came against Tommy Fury.
Frank Warren, promoter of Tyson Fury, also dismissed concerns about the matchup’s legitimacy.
“People will criticise it, but I don’t see the problem,” he said. “It’ll draw a massive audience. AJ doesn’t create huge buzz in the US, Paul does. People like car crashes. It will do well.”
Beyond the financial appeal, Joshua is eager to shake off ring rust after a long layoff. He resumed light training earlier this year, underwent minor elbow surgery in May, and ramped up conditioning in October.
If finalised, the bout is expected to be one of the most-watched boxing events of the year.
About The Author
