Anthony Joshua is reportedly in advanced talks for a high-profile fight against internet personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul, a clash that could see the former world heavyweight champion earn up to £70 million. The bout is expected to take place in Miami next month if the deal is finalized.
Sources close to negotiations say the total prize purse could reach £140 million, with Joshua and Paul set to share it equally. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, stressed on Thursday that details are still being finalized, though insiders suggest an official announcement may be made early next week.
The fight is expected to be a full professional bout under Queensbury rules, rather than an exhibition.
A major factor accelerating discussions is Netflix, which has expressed strong interest in broadcasting the fight. The streaming platform, currently producing a documentary on Joshua, also aired Paul’s November 2024 fight against Mike Tyson, which reportedly drew over 60 million viewers.
The proposed matchup comes after Paul’s scheduled fight with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis was cancelled, reopening the possibility of a clash with Joshua after over a year of speculation.
Hearn told Daily Mail Sport, “It is not done yet. 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 about the potential fight, Hearn added, “Would it be great for Joshua’s legacy? No. But he is a two-time heavyweight world champion and an Olympic gold medallist. 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, mostly against lesser-known opponents and ageing legends, with his only defeat coming from Tommy Fury. Tyson Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, also commented, saying, “People are going to criticise it, but I don’t see it that way. As long as both fighters are fit, which they are, then I don’t have a problem. It will attract a huge audience – AJ doesn’t cause much noise in the US, and Paul does. People like car crashes. It will do well.”
Aside from the financial incentive, Joshua is eager to regain his ring sharpness following his long break from competition. He resumed light training earlier this year, underwent minor elbow surgery in May, and ramped up his conditioning again in October.
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