In a blockbuster event that has divided boxing purists, Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are set to collide in a professional heavyweight bout in Miami, Florida, tonight. The high-stakes encounter promises not only fireworks in the ring but an extraordinary financial windfall for both men.
Mega-Money Miami Showdown: The Fight Details
The much-discussed clash is scheduled for Friday, 19 December 2025, and will be contested over eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters wearing 10oz gloves. In a notable stipulation, former two-time world champion Joshua was required to weigh no more than 245lb for the contest. Concerns about him making weight were swiftly dismissed when 'AJ' showcased himself comfortably under the limit just two weeks prior.
This marks Joshua's first return to the ring since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. For Paul, it is another step into the heavyweight fray following his controversial showdown with Mike Tyson last year. The fight will be streamed globally on Netflix, with UK fans able to watch via the platform, potentially for free with certain Sky TV bundles.
A Staggering £140 Million Prize Pot
The most eye-catching element of this crossover spectacle is the colossal purse on offer. The official prize pot for the fight is confirmed at a staggering £140 million, which will be split evenly between the two combatants. This means both Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are guaranteed to pocket a minimum of £70 million each for their efforts, regardless of the result.
For Joshua, this represents one of the largest paydays of his illustrious career. To put it in context, he earned an estimated £30 million for his knockout of Francis Ngannou in March 2024 and took home around £25 million from his defeat to Dubois. His two high-profile bouts with Oleksandr Usyk also yielded huge sums, including a 50/50 split of an £65 million pot in their rematch.
Jake Paul's financial trajectory in boxing has been similarly meteoric. Prior to fighting Mike Tyson, Forbes reported his career earnings from boxing, endorsements, and pay-per-views stood at approximately £28.3 million. His decision win over Tyson then netted him a single-fight purse of around £22.3 million, making tonight's guaranteed £70 million a monumental leap.
Legacy vs. Payday: The Reaction and Stakes
The fight has attracted significant criticism from sections of the boxing community, with many questioning Joshua's motives for facing the YouTube-star-turned-boxer. Critics have labelled it a mere exhibition or a cynical cash grab. However, the sheer scale of the financial reward underscores the evolving economics of modern sports entertainment, where digital reach and mainstream celebrity can generate unprecedented revenue.
For Joshua, a dominant victory is seen as essential to silence the detractors and rebuild his momentum towards another world title shot. For Paul, a win against a genuine former heavyweight champion of the world would represent the ultimate validation of his boxing project and arguably the biggest upset in recent sporting memory.
All will be decided tonight in Miami, where £140 million and significant sporting pride are on the line. The world will be watching to see if experience prevails or if the disruptor can once again redefine the rules of the game.
