British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua could be making a return to the ring in a shock December showdown against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, with negotiations for a high-profile Miami fight entering a decisive stage.
If the fight materializes, Joshua is expected to take home approximately £70 million, with the total fight purse estimated at £140 million, split evenly between both fighters.
Negotiations are reportedly progressing swiftly, though Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, cautioned that the deal is not yet finalized. Still, he acknowledged that the financial opportunity is too significant to ignore.
“It is not confirmed yet,” Hearn told Daily Mail Sport. “There’s been a lot of speculation. I think Jake Paul would be crazy to turn it down, but talks are ongoing. Originally, we were planning a smaller-scale fight for AJ, but this is a chance to earn 50 times more money.”
This event would mark Joshua’s first professional fight since his heavy defeat to Daniel Dubois over a year ago. Unlike the celebrity exhibitions that have become popular, this would be a fully sanctioned professional match following Queensbury rules.
A key factor driving interest in the bout is Netflix. The streaming service is reportedly aiming to broadcast the fight as part of its growing expansion into live sports. Netflix is already producing a documentary on Joshua, and Paul’s previous match against Mike Tyson drew more than 60 million viewers, highlighting the public’s appetite for crossover boxing events.
Paul’s previously cancelled fight with Gervonta Davis left an open slot in his schedule, reigniting long-standing speculation about a potential showdown with Joshua. Over the past five years, Paul has built a 12-1 record, though most of his wins came against older or lower-tier opponents. His only defeat remains a loss to Tommy Fury.
Promoter Frank Warren, who works with Tyson Fury, believes that while critics may voice objections, fans will still tune in. “People will criticise it, but I don’t see it that way,” Warren said. “As long as both fighters are in good shape, which they are, it will be fine. AJ doesn’t have a huge profile in the US, Paul does. People are drawn to spectacles. It will attract a large audience.”
Joshua’s camp is also focused on the bigger picture. Beyond the massive payday, the former world champion aims to regain his competitive rhythm after a long period out of the ring. He resumed light training earlier this year, underwent elbow surgery in May, and has been steadily increasing his workload since October.
