Anthony Joshua’s huge fight payday slashed by taxes — why Jake Paul walks away richer after knockout

In the world of professional boxing, a fighter’s success is frequently measured not only by winnings in the ring but also by the cash they take home. Recent reports have emphasized how even a high-profile knockout win can be tempered by financial constraints. Former Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, fresh off a decisive win over Jake Paul, is a case in point.

Anthony Joshua might have violently knocked out Jake Paul this past weekend on Fri., Dec. 19, 2025, breaking his jaw but the Olympic gold medalist is about to endure an equally severe blow from the tax authorities.

Despite reportedly getting a jaw-dropping nine-figure payday for the crossover event, Joshua is forfeit to lose almost half of his fight purse to taxes in both the United States and the United Kingdom, finally walking away with considerably less money than Paul, the man he defeated.

Earnings Breakdown

As per multiple reports, including figures mentioned by Yahoo Sports, Joshua and Paul each received approximately $93 million USD (almost $140 million AUD) for the bout, which took place in Florida. While Florida popularly imposes no state income tax, the federal authorities still claim a significant portion. Because the fight happened on U.S. soil, Joshua is subject to the top federal income tax rate of 37 percent, which alone accounts for roughly $52 million of his purse.

The financial consequences do not stop there. Once Joshua returns to the United Kingdom, he will also confront taxation on his global income. Reports suggest he’ll owe an extra $11.3 million to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, alongside $2.8 million in National Insurance contributions.

Altogether, Joshua is anticipated to part ways with almost $66 million, leaving him with around $74 million from the fight, still an exceptional amount, but notably lower than his defeated opponent. Paul, on the other hand, only encounters U.S. federal taxes. With no UK obligations and no state tax in Florida, the YouTuber-turned-boxer is expected to keep a larger share of his earnings, even though he lost in a dramatic defeat.

A separate evaluation from AceOdds, cited by BroBible, provides a similar outlook with British currency. Assuming a £70 million purse, Joshua could forfeit over £31 million to taxes, retaining just 53 percent of his winnings following all deductions.

FAQs:

1. How much did Joshua earn?
Joshua earned approximately $93 million USD for the fight.

2. How much did Paul earn?
Paul reportedly earned the same, almost $93 million USD.