Anthony Joshua is set to earn an estimated £70m from a highly anticipated showdown with internet-personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul, as advanced negotiations continue for a blockbuster fight expected to take place in Miami next month.
Sources close to the discussions reveal that a massive prize purse of about £140m is being considered, with Joshua and Paul positioned to take equal shares if the deal is finalised.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, noted on Thursday that talks are still ongoing. The matchup would signal the 36-year-old’s return to action for the first time since his significant loss to Daniel Dubois over a year ago. Nonetheless, insiders suggest an official announcement could be made early next week.
The bout is expected to be sanctioned as a full professional contest under Queensbury rules, rather than an exhibition.
A major factor driving the negotiations is Netflix’s strong interest in broadcasting the event. The streaming giant—currently filming a documentary on Joshua—previously carried Paul’s November 2024 fight with Mike Tyson, which drew over 60 million viewers.
Paul’s cancelled fight with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis has fast-tracked renewed discussions with Joshua’s team after more than a year of speculation about a potential meeting.
“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 criticism over the matchup, Hearn added, “Would it be great for Joshua’s legacy? No. But I’ll tell you what 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 holds a 12-1 record, built mostly against lesser-known opponents and retired stars, with his lone defeat coming from Tommy Fury.
Frank Warren, Tyson Fury’s promoter, 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.”
Beyond the massive financial reward, Joshua is also aiming to regain sharpness after an extended break. He resumed light training earlier this year, had minor elbow surgery in May, and intensified his preparations again in October.