Anthony Joshua could pocket around £70million when he takes on Jake Paul at the end of this year.
The former heavyweight champion’s return to the ring after over 14 months away was confirmed on Monday. He will face the YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in a professional bout on December 19 at Miami’s Kaseya Center.
The bout is scheduled for eight rounds with 10oz gloves.
Joshua suffered a devastating knockout defeat by compatriot Daniel Dubois last year, losing his IBF world heavyweight title. Dubois was then beaten by Oleksandr Usyk, who claimed the remaining belt to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Joshua, who has lost twice to Usyk in his career, has long been eyeing a return to boxing, with his promoter Eddie Hearn revealing last week that the 36-year-old could fight before the year is out, and his bout with Paul has now been confirmed.
It has since come to light that there could be a huge $184million (£139.7m) prize pot for the money fight, according to the Daily Mail.
The prize purse is expected to be evenly split, meaning both fighters stand to take home around £70m.
Joshua, targeting a title fight in early 2026, has promised to show Paul no mercy.
In a statement announcing the fight, he said: “Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy.
“I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show.
“It’s a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected.
“Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”
Paul had been due to fight Gervonta Davis, the WBA lightweight champion, in an exhibition on Netflix on November 14, but that bout was pulled after Davis’ legal troubles.
The American Paul is 12-1 in his professional career, with his only defeat coming at the hands of British fighter Tommy Fury back in 2023.
