Tonight in Miami, Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul step into the ring for a heavyweight clash that is as much about financial gain as it is sporting legacy. The two fighters are set to receive a jaw-dropping £70 million each from a total prize pot of £140 million, a figure that will significantly boost their already substantial fortunes.
The Financial Heavyweights: Career Earnings Breakdown
Despite the colossal payday on offer this Friday, both men are no strangers to life-changing sums. For Anthony Joshua, the 36-year-old former two-time world champion, this fight serves as a lucrative warm-up for a planned busy 2026. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Joshua's current net worth is estimated at $150 million (£111.8 million), a number poised for a dramatic increase.
His career earnings from boxing are estimated to be around £200 million ($268 million). Major paydays include approximately £50 million from his rematch win over Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia, £65 million shared from his second fight with Oleksandr Usyk, and £30 million for knocking out Francis Ngannou in 2024. He also secured a monumental deal with DAZN, reportedly worth £100 million for two fights a year until retirement.
Beyond the ring, 'AJ' boosts his income with major endorsement deals with brands like Under Armour, Hugo Boss, and Jaguar. Sportico listed him as the 30th highest-paid athlete in 2024, earning a total of $60 million, with $50 million coming from salary and winnings.
Jake Paul: From YouTube to Multi-Million Pound Purses
Jake Paul, the 28-year-old social media sensation turned boxer, enters the fight with an estimated net worth of $100 million (£74.5 million). While his boxing career has been highly profitable, a significant portion of his wealth still stems from his vast online following, which includes over 20 million YouTube subscribers.
Since turning professional, Paul has built his fight purse steadily. Forbes reported that ahead of his November 2024 fight with Mike Tyson, he had earned around £28.3 million ($38 million) from boxing, endorsements, and pay-per-view. His highest payday to date came from that Tyson bout, where he reportedly took home over £22.3 million ($30 million) for a decision victory in Netflix's first boxing event.
Other notable earnings include around £1.5 million from his two fights with Tyron Woodley and over £3 million for beating Anderson Silva. Paul is known for flaunting his wealth, owning a multi-million pound mansion in Puerto Rico and a fleet of luxury cars including Ferraris, a Lamborghini, and a Rolls-Royce.
Legacy, Hustle, and the Future
Ahead of the Miami melee, Joshua was candid about the fight's financial incentive, calling it "100 per cent a money grab" while also acknowledging its importance for legacy. He highlighted the modern athlete's need to secure their financial future, a philosophy Paul has embodied since his viral internet beginnings.
For Paul, a victory over a bona fide heavyweight legend like Joshua would be unprecedented, potentially transforming his boxing credibility. For Joshua, it represents a massive, relatively low-risk payday as he prepares for more traditional title challenges in the new year. Regardless of the outcome, one result is certain: the bank balances of both men will see a seismic boost when the final bell rings tonight.
The fight will be streamed live on Netflix, with UK fans able to access the platform through deals such as Sky's TV bundle.
