The fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul could be one of the most high-profile of the year, but the high financial demands of the influencer-turned-boxer could put this clash on hold
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, has revealed the financial hurdles they face in order to make this December fight happen. A possible fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul has been mooted, although doubts have been raised about the real possibility of the bout due to the exorbitant financial demands.
This showdown, which combines a former world heavyweight champion with an influencer and media figure, promises to break audience records, but also budgets. Hearn has been clear:
We are ready for December, but Jake Paul is not an easy opponent to negotiate with
Could Jake Paul face Anthony Joshua?
Jake Paul, who has a record of 12 wins and one loss with seven knockouts, has made it clear that he will not step into the ring without a huge financial compensation. Hearn believes that Jake will ask for at least $40 million, a figure that is well above what is usually paid, even to elite boxers.
He knows how dangerous this fight is. Jake is no fool. He recognises the risk of facing Joshua
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua sponsors
The promoter also commented that figures close to Paul convince him that he is the next great boxing legend, which further fuels his salary expectations.
The main obstacle is not only the amount Jake Paul is asking for, but who would pay for it. For Hearn, this fight could not be realized without the backing of major sponsors or figures such as Turki Alalshikh, who on previous occasions has financed stellar events, but does not seem interested in circus fights.
Turki previously rejected a proposal to pit Jake Paul against Canelo Alvarez, and on this occasion he does not seem motivated to support a duel against Anthony Joshua, preferring “real fights between real champions”.
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua’s conditions
From an entertainment and marketing point of view, Joshua vs. Paul would be a global phenomenon. Social media would be abuzz, the media would cover it 24/7, and the general public would be enthralled.
Paul’s million-dollar demands, coupled with the lack of interest from major financiers such as Turki Alalshikh, mean that this fight is not yet a reality.
While Hearn keeps the door open, the truth is that Joshua is already preparing for other options.
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