Anthony Joshua in talks for £70m showdown with Jake Paul in Miami

Anthony Joshua in talks for £70m showdown with Jake Paul in Miami

Anthony Joshua is on the verge of sealing a sensational £70 million payday from a proposed showdown with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, with advanced negotiations underway for a blockbuster fight expected to take place in Miami next month.

Sources close to the talks say a mammoth £140 million purse is being discussed, with both fighters in line for an equal split if the bout is finalised. The contest would mark the 36-year-old former heavyweight champion’s first return to the ring since his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois more than a year ago.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed discussions are ongoing but cautioned that the deal is not yet complete.

“It is not done yet. Jake Paul would be mad to take the fight, but we are talking,” Hearn told Daily Mail Sport, revealing that Joshua had originally been preparing for a low-profile comeback fight before the Paul offer emerged.
“Would it be great for his legacy? No. But he’s already a two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist. This opportunity makes 50 times more money.”

READ ALSO:

• Paystack co-founder Ezra Olubi suspended over sexual misconduct allegations
• “She doesn’t want to see me” – BBNaija winner Imisi’s mother cries out in viral video
• Genevieve Nnaji makes rare public appearance at AFRIFF, ends disappearance rumours

Unlike previous celebrity-driven fights, the bout would be sanctioned as a full professional contest under Queensberry rules — not an exhibition.

A key driving force behind the negotiations is Netflix, which is keen to broadcast the event and capitalise on the enormous streaming numbers generated by Paul’s November 2024 fight with Mike Tyson, watched by more than 60 million viewers. The platform is also currently producing a documentary on Joshua.

Talks accelerated after Paul’s planned fight with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis collapsed. The American influencer-turned-boxer holds a 12-1 record, built largely against ageing or unranked opponents, with his only defeat coming against Tommy Fury.

Frank Warren, promoter of Tyson Fury, also defended the proposed bout.

“People will criticise it, but it will get a massive audience,” he said. “AJ doesn’t make noise in the US — Paul does. People like car crashes. It will do well.”

Joshua, who underwent minor elbow surgery earlier this year, resumed full training in October and is said to be eager to shake off ring rust.

An official announcement is expected as early as next week if negotiations are concluded.

Anthony Joshua in talks for £70m showdown with Jake Paul in Miami