Anthony Joshua is set to bank an astonishing £70m from a possible blockbuster fight with internet-personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul, as advanced negotiations continue for a huge bout likely to take place in Miami next month.
Sources close to the talks say a gigantic prize purse of about £140m is being discussed, with both Joshua and Paul expected to receive equal shares if the deal is confirmed.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, warned on Thursday that both sides are still finalising details. The bout would mark the 36-year-old’s first return to the ring since his heavy loss to Daniel Dubois over a year ago. However, insiders say an official announcement could drop early next week.
The fight would be classified as a full professional contest under Queensbury rules, not an exhibition.
A major factor pushing the negotiations forward is Netflix’s strong interest in broadcasting the bout. The streaming service, which is currently producing a documentary on Joshua, also aired Paul’s November 2024 fight with Mike Tyson, which drew over 60 million viewers.
Paul’s cancelled matchup with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis has reopened discussions with Joshua’s team after more than a year of speculation about a possible clash.
“It is not done yet,” Hearn told Daily Mail Sport.
“There has been a lot of gun jumping on this. I think 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 criticisms surrounding the proposed fight, Hearn added, “Would it be great for Joshua’s legacy? No. But I’ll tell you what it is – two-time heavyweight world champion and an Olympic gold medal. This is an opportunity and fair play to Paul if he wants to get in that ring because AJ won’t be messing about.”
Paul currently holds a 12-1 record, largely built on bouts against unknown opponents and ageing icons, with his only defeat coming from Tommy Fury.
Tyson Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, also commented, telling Daily Mail Sport, “People are going to criticise it, but I don’t see it that way. As long as these guys are both fit, which they are, then I don’t have a problem. It will get a huge audience – AJ doesn’t cause a lot of noise in the US, and Paul does. People like car crashes. It will do well.”
Aside from the financial reward, Joshua is eager to shake off ring rust after his long break from competition. He resumed light training earlier in the year, had minor elbow surgery in May, and increased his conditioning again in October.
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