Anthony Joshua to Face Jake Paul in High-Stakes Miami Showdown with $184 Million Purse

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to take on YouTube sensation Jake Paul in a professional boxing bout next month in Miami, with the two fighters reportedly set to split a $184 million purse.

The 36-year-old Joshua will face the 28-year-old Paul at the Kaseya Centre, in an eight-round fight featuring three-minute rounds, Matchroom Boxing announced on Monday. The match serves as a replacement for Paul’s previously scheduled exhibition against lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, which was recently canceled.

Paul, who famously defeated heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in November 2024 in a fight watched by over 60 million Netflix viewers, holds a 12-1 record, with his only loss coming against Tommy Fury, the younger brother of Tyson Fury. Meanwhile, Joshua has not stepped into the ring since being stopped by fellow Brit Daniel Dubois last September at Wembley in an IBF title bout.

The matchup has sparked debate, with critics questioning why a two-time unified heavyweight champion would fight an opponent with Paul’s limited boxing credentials. Nevertheless, the lucrative financial incentive is a compelling factor for Joshua.

Boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh hinted at bigger plans for Joshua beyond the Paul fight. Speaking on DAZN ahead of the Conor Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr. fight on November 15, Alalshikh teased major 2026 events in London, potentially including a blockbuster bout featuring Joshua later in the year.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter at Matchroom, expressed optimism about securing a long-awaited fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury. “We have been planning Anthony Joshua’s future carefully. He aims to regain the world heavyweight title and, of course, wants to fight Tyson Fury,” Hearn said.

However, a loss to Paul could jeopardize the highly anticipated showdown with Fury, adding extra pressure to December’s Miami clash.