Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has candidly labelled his imminent return to the ring against social media star Jake Paul as a straightforward 'money grab'.
The Lucrative Return to the Ring
Joshua, who has been sidelined for much of 2025 following elbow surgery and a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in late 2024, will face the boxing novice this Friday, December 19, in Miami. The high-profile event will be streamed globally on Netflix, accessible for free to Sky customers with an Essential TV bundle.
In a remarkably frank admission during a recent face-off, the 26-year-old Brit confirmed the financial motivation behind the contest. "It's 100 per cent a money grab," Joshua stated, emphasising his long-held understanding of the business side of boxing. "Ever since I came into the game, I've clocked the hustle... I knew how to make money. Before I come into boxing, I knew how to make money."
A Record-Breaking Purse on the Line
Reports indicate the financial incentive is colossal, with both fighters in line to pocket up to £70 million each from the Miami showdown. While a staggering sum, Joshua confirmed to TMZ that this would not constitute his largest-ever purse, having previously earned approximately $75 million (£57.4m) for his second fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
Despite the commercial nature of the bout, Joshua insists he respects the expectations of fight fans. "I know the expectations and demands these fans have. And I respect it," he said, outlining his aggressive intent for the fight. "I need to [KO Jake] and that’s my intention, to seek and destroy."
Legacy, War, and the Modern Fighter's Mindset
Joshua framed the event as a multifaceted endeavour, blending raw financial ambition with competitive spirit. He praised the current generation of athletes for their business acumen, stating they understand the necessity to "get your money, do the work, and leave the game with your brains and your money intact."
For Joshua, the fight represents more than just a payday; it is also "legacy, it's a fight, it's war." This clash marks his final step before aiming for a significant 2026 in the sport, making a decisive victory over Paul a crucial prerequisite.
