Million Dollar Bet: Boxing Organization Needs to Pay $40 Million for Jake Paul to Fight Anthony Joshua. Will it Happen

The world of boxing has long blurred the line between pure sport and entertainment spectacle, but few stories exemplify this blend more than the rumors surrounding a potential fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua. With Jake Paul reportedly demanding a staggering $40 million to step into the ring against the former heavyweight champion, and conflicting narratives about the legitimacy of these demands, the sporting world is buzzing.

Is this matchup a genuine attempt to bridge the gap between influencer boxing and elite professional sport, or merely a calculated marketing move aimed at generating buzz and money? This article dives deep into the details, expert opinions, controversies, and commercial logic behind this highly publicized potential fight.

Jake Paul’s $40 Million Demand: Real or Fabricated?

According to initial reports, Jake Paul has requested an eye-watering $40 million payout to fight Anthony Joshua. This figure, if true, would be one of the highest guarantees ever offered to a non-world-champion boxer, let alone someone who started as a YouTuber.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, quickly responded, indicating that such a sum is unrealistic and likely a deal-breaker. Hearn expressed skepticism about the fight’s financial viability, pointing out that Joshua, despite being a former world champion and massive draw, has not received such a purse for many of his major bouts.

However, Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (Jake Paul’s promotional company), categorically denied these claims. He labeled the $40 million figure as “fake news,” suggesting the narrative was perhaps crafted to stir up attention or mislead fans.

Turki Alalshikh’s Support: The Saudi X-Factor

Adding further intrigue to the situation is the reported involvement of Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi advisor who has become a pivotal figure in global boxing promotion. Alalshikh has already played a crucial role in organizing blockbuster fights in Riyadh, and he is said to be fully supportive of a Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua matchup.

His backing could be the wildcard that turns fiction into reality. With Saudi Arabia’s deep financial reserves and ambitions to become the new epicenter of combat sports, a $40 million payday for Paul—if not entirely accurate—suddenly seems less far-fetched.

A 99-1 Purse Split? Paul’s PR Masterstroke

In a surprising turn of events, UK-based TalkSport reported that Jake Paul has agreed to take just 1% of the purse, allowing Joshua to claim a staggering 99%. If true, this act of supposed humility is either a bold gesture of sincerity or a brilliant public relations move.

Such a skewed deal would not only portray Paul as a fighter genuinely hungry for legitimacy, but also make Joshua look ungracious if he were to turn the offer down. Still, skeptics suggest the offer might be more symbolic than serious, aimed at increasing public pressure on Joshua’s camp.

Does the Fight Make Commercial Sense?

Eric Raskin of BoxingScene argues that, from a financial standpoint, the fight could rake in huge amounts of money. Both fighters have immense fanbases and global recognition. Pay-per-view sales could break records, and global broadcasters would likely be clamoring to secure distribution rights.

However, Raskin also highlights a crucial distinction—this is entertainment boxing, not elite sport. The fight’s potential revenue is rooted more in spectacle than skill. Would true boxing fans buy in, or would it mostly attract casual viewers and social media followers?

Expert Opinions: Opportunity or Embarrassment?

Former world champion George Groves offered a measured take, suggesting that if a Joshua–Fury showdown is off the table, a fight with Paul might be worth considering. According to Groves, the risk is low and the financial reward could be enormous. However, he emphasized that such a fight would lack the sporting credibility and competitiveness that fans expect from a top-tier bout.

On the other hand, Spencer Oliver, another respected voice in British boxing, sounded the alarm. He warned that by entertaining the idea of fighting Paul, Joshua risks losing his hard-earned credibility. For a man who once unified the heavyweight titles, stepping into the ring with a social media celebrity might be seen as a step down.

Public Perception: Is This a Rigged Spectacle?

John Fury, father of Tyson Fury, didn’t mince words. He joked that the only way Jake Paul could beat Anthony Joshua is if the outcome were scripted. While said in jest, the comment encapsulates a broader skepticism from purists and fans who view Paul’s involvement in boxing as more reality show than real sport.

This sentiment is further echoed in online forums, Twitter threads, and sports radio shows. The idea that the fight might be “rigged” or pre-arranged—even if not literally true—speaks volumes about how low the bar for authenticity has dropped in crossover boxing.

Jake Paul: Social Media Star or Serious Boxer?

Regardless of how the deal pans out, Jake Paul’s rise in the boxing world is nothing short of remarkable. From YouTube prankster to headlining pay-per-view cards, he has marketed himself with ruthless efficiency. He has taken on MMA legends, other influencers, and fringe pro fighters—but facing Anthony Joshua would be an entirely different level.

Despite all the criticism, Paul trains hard, hires serious coaches, and seems committed to improving his skills. Yet, whether he belongs in the same ring as a former unified heavyweight champion remains highly debatable.

Anthony Joshua’s Dilemma: Legacy vs. Lucrative Opportunity

For Joshua, this fight poses a strategic and moral question. On one hand, it’s an easy win—assuming Paul is seriously outmatched. It could also bring in a massive payday with minimal physical risk. On the other hand, it could erode his credibility and tarnish his reputation among purists.

Joshua has spent years rebuilding his brand after losses to Andy Ruiz and Oleksandr Usyk. Taking on a “celebrity boxer” might send the wrong message about his competitive ambitions. But as Groves noted, if a fight with Tyson Fury cannot be arranged, a low-risk, high-reward bout might be worth considering.

The Spectacle Factor: Showbiz Boxing is Here to Stay

Like it or not, crossover fights have found a home in modern boxing. The line between sport and spectacle continues to blur, and Jake Paul has been instrumental in normalizing this trend. The Paul vs. Joshua bout, if it happens, won’t be about rankings or belts. It will be about money, attention, and shifting public perceptions.

Purists may balk, but the market has spoken. As long as millions are willing to watch, pay, and post, showbiz boxing will thrive.

Summary of Key Issues and Analysis

Will It Happen? Should It Happen?

The proposed Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight exists at the intersection of curiosity, commerce, and controversy. Whether or not it actually takes place, the discussions it has sparked reveal the shifting priorities in modern boxing. Money talks louder than ever, and spectacle often outweighs sport.

Jake Paul may not get his $40 million, or perhaps he never even asked for it. But one thing is certain: his presence in the boxing world continues to provoke strong reactions, force uncomfortable questions, and pull boxing deeper into the entertainment arena.

Only time will tell if this fight becomes a reality—but if it does, it will be for one reason above all: not legacy, not glory, but business.