Jake Paul’s Massive Payday From Anthony Joshua Fight Despite Brutal Knockout
Introduction: A Lucrative Loss for Jake Paul
The highly anticipated clash between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua on 19 December 2025 proved to be one of the most financially significant boxing events of the year, even though it ended in a devastating sixth-round knockout for the YouTuber-turned-boxer. Joshua knocked Paul out in the sixth round, which resulted in Paul needing surgery, but the financial rewards for both fighters reached unprecedented levels. The fight, streamed exclusively on Netflix, has sparked widespread interest not just for its sporting outcome, but for the staggering sums involved.
The Reported Fight Purse
Determining Jake Paul’s exact earnings from the fight has proven challenging, with conflicting reports emerging before and after the bout. A November 13 report from the Daily Mail said that both Paul and Joshua are estimated to be making $92 million each for this fight, which made for a combined $184 million fight purse. However, more credible inside sources suggest a different figure. Prominent MMA journalist Ariel Helwani stated he “heard in the $40 to $50 [million] range [for each guy]”, which would translate to approximately £32-40 million for Paul.
Paul’s Physical and Financial Cost
Despite the substantial payday, Paul paid a heavy physical price for stepping into the ring with the former two-time heavyweight champion. Paul was hospitalised with a broken jaw after former heavyweight champion Joshua hit him with a thunderous right hand during their boxing bout in Miami, with Paul posting an update alongside an x-ray of his jaw broken in two places. Paul is now facing a medical suspension from boxing for at least 45 days, which will delay any future bouts.
How Netflix Changed Boxing Economics
The fight represents a shift in boxing’s financial model, moving away from traditional pay-per-view structures. With Netflix involved, compensation can include licensing fees, guaranteed payments, promotional commitments, and performance incentives. The purse may not be a single pot of money in the old-school sense, but a layered package spread across multiple revenue streams. This innovative approach allowed both fighters to command massive guarantees regardless of the outcome.
Conclusion: A Game-Changing Payday
Whether Jake Paul earned £32 million or the widely reported £70 million, his payday from the Anthony Joshua fight represents a career-high and establishes him among the highest-paid combat sports athletes of 2025. The fight demonstrated that even in defeat, Paul’s ability to generate massive audiences and secure lucrative streaming deals makes him a valuable commodity in modern boxing. As he recovers from surgery and serves his medical suspension, the financial success of this bout will likely attract even more high-profile opponents in the future, continuing to blur the lines between traditional boxing and entertainment spectacle.