Nigerian-born former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua will pocket a staggering £140m from his upcoming bout with social media influencer, Jake Paul.
Sports247 gathered that, so soon after the glamour fight was confirmed to hold next month, details of the lucrative deal for the former champ have also emerged.
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As it were, Paul is highly rated as a former YouTuber and online content provider, which financial experts believe gives him a large following worldwide and heaps up his market value.
Consequently, rather than going for glory, title and a belt, taking on Paul would be an exhibition bout meant to highlight the social media celebrity’s commercial prowess, who has taken on some other top boxers in his new approach to sports promotions.
Details of the report out of Queensland indicate further that the fight in Miami, USA promises to be a grand return to the roped square for 36-year-old Joshua, who is now set to have his first fight since losing to fellow-Nigerian-born British heavyweight, Daniel Dubois, 14 months ago.
The report by popular British tabloid, Daily Mail added: “While negotiations remain ongoing for a bout in Miami next month, sources tell us that a gargantuan prize pot of around £140m has been mooted by its proponents.
“(The deal also comes) with a plan for an even split between the two-time heavyweight world champion and a man who holds no discernible qualifications to be his opponent.
“That Paul has demonstrated immense pulling power, both as a prankster in the early stages of his online career and more recently through his strange array of contests in a boxing ring, is evidently the only justification necessary.
“(Another) key element behind the fight, and indeed one of the challenges of the negotiations, is the desire to broadcast it on Netflix. The streaming giant is currently working with Joshua on a documentary, which dovetails with Paul’s own interests.
“(It would be recalled that) his fight against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November 2024 was staged on the platform and drew an audience in excess of 60 million.”
Sports247 gathered further that Joshua has trained with Ukraine’s current undisputed world heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk’s camp, but is undecided whether to make it a permanent arrangement.
“Joshua is currently undecided as to whether he will work with Team Usyk in future but has had a fact-finding mission training in the Ukrainian’s set up,” Sky Sports added.
However, the Nigeran-born pugilist’s promoter, Eddie Hearn hinted that ‘AJ’ could make the decision before his fight with Paul.
