Anthony Joshua is poised to earn around £70m from a proposed fight with Jake Paul, as negotiations progress for a major bout expected to take place in Miami next month.
Sources say the total purse being discussed is about £140m, with both fighters set to receive equal shares if the deal is completed.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, noted that talks are still ongoing. The fight would mark Joshua’s first appearance in the ring since his loss to Daniel Dubois over a year ago, and an official announcement could come as early as next week.
The matchup is being negotiated as a full professional fight under Queensbury rules.
A key factor pushing the deal forward is Netflix’s interest in broadcasting the event. The platform, which is currently filming a documentary on Joshua, previously streamed Jake Paul’s 2024 fight against Mike Tyson, drawing over 60 million viewers.
Paul’s cancelled fight with Gervonta Davis has also helped reignite discussions with Joshua’s team after more than a year of speculation.
Hearn told Daily Mail Sport that while the deal isn’t final, it presents an unexpected opportunity. He acknowledged that the fight may not add to Joshua’s legacy but stressed that Joshua’s achievements as a two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist already speak for themselves. He added that Paul would be taking a major risk by stepping into the ring with Joshua.
Paul carries a 12-1 record, built mostly against lesser-known opponents and ageing former champions, with his lone defeat coming to Tommy Fury.
Frank Warren, promoter for Tyson Fury, said he expects the event to draw huge attention, noting that Paul generates significant buzz in the US and that audiences are drawn to high-drama matchups.
Joshua, aiming to regain sharpness after a long break, returned to light training earlier this year, had minor elbow surgery in May, and increased his training intensity in October.
