Anthony Joshua is reportedly close to sealing a sensational deal that would see him earn up to €70 million in a proposed showdown with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The fight, expected to hold in Miami next month if negotiations conclude smoothly, is shaping up to be one of the most commercially lucrative events of the year.
Sources familiar with the talks say the total purse is projected to hit €140 million, with both fighters set to split the amount evenly. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed on Thursday that discussions are ongoing, emphasising that no contract has been signed yet. However, insiders believe an official announcement could land early next week.
The bout is being positioned as a full professional contest under Queensbury rules, not an exhibition—an important distinction given the criticism often levelled at crossover fights.
A key catalyst pushing this match-up forward is Netflix. The streaming giant, currently producing a documentary on Joshua, is reportedly eager to secure broadcast rights. Netflix also streamed Paul’s November 2024 clash with Mike Tyson, an event that drew an estimated 60 million viewers—numbers that make a Joshua–Paul fight an irresistible commercial gamble.
The renewed talks come after Paul’s scheduled bout with Gervonta Davis collapsed, reopening the window for a long-rumoured meeting with Joshua.
Speaking to Daily Mail Sport, Hearn said:
“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.”
Addressing concerns about how such a fight might affect Joshua’s legacy, 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, who boasts a 12–1 record largely built against faded stars and relatively unknown opposition, suffered his only professional loss to Tommy Fury. Even so, the crossover appeal he brings is undeniable.
Frank Warren, promoter of Tyson Fury, defended the matchup:
“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… People like car crashes. It will do well.”
Beyond the payday, Joshua is reportedly keen to rebuild momentum in the ring. The former unified champion returned to light training earlier this year, underwent minor elbow surgery in May, and intensified his conditioning programme in October.