Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: Weight Clash, Knockout Result, Purse Breakdown & Next Fight Outlook

The boxing world was electrified in December 2025 when social-media superstar Jake Paul stepped into the ring with former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at the Kaseya Center in Miami. What was billed as a spectacle — and one of the most lucrative non-traditional boxing events in years — delivered a night of intense action, staggering money figures, and controversial outcomes.

In this deep-dive article, we’ll break down:

• Jake Paul’s fight night weight

• The knockout result

• The jaw-dropping purse estimates

• And what’s next for Paul’s boxing journey

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Fight in Context

In a matchup that blurred the lines between entertainment and elite boxing competition, Jake Paul (record 12-1, 7 KOs) faced Anthony Joshua (record 28-4, 25 KOs) in a professional heavyweight bout streamed globally on Netflix on December 19, 2025. 

Boxing purists and casual fans alike were glued to screens — not just for the spectacle, but because it represented one of social media’s most successful crossovers into elite combat sports. 

Weight: Why Size Mattered on Fight Night

A central storyline going into the fight was the weight disparity between Paul and Joshua — and how it could influence the outcome.

Jake Paul’s Weight

Jake Paul typically competes as a cruiserweight but has stepped up in weight for big-ticket fights. For this matchup, Paul weighed in around 216.6 lb (≈98.2 kg). 

This placed him well below the typical size of a seasoned heavyweight and highlighted an uphill battle against a true heavyweight veteran like Joshua.

Anthony Joshua’s Weight

Anthony Joshua tipped the scales at 243.4 lb (≈110.4 kg) — almost 27 pounds heavier than Paul — giving him a notable weight and power advantage. 

This size gap was a talking point among analysts and critics leading up to the fight, with many experts warning of the danger Paul faced against an opponent of Joshua’s physical stature and technical pedigree. 

The Fight Result: Joshua Knocks Out Paul in Round 6

As the bout progressed, the weight and experience advantages of Joshua became clear.

After several rounds of tactical boxing and strategic movement, Anthony Joshua delivered a decisive blow in the sixth round that ended the fight by knockout. 

Knockout Highlights

• Paul was knocked to the canvas and was unable to beat the referee’s count.

• He suffered a double broken jaw — a serious injury that required surgical repair. 

• The defeat marked Paul’s first knockout loss in his professional career and stunned fans worldwide. 

While Paul showed resilience by lasting deeper into the fight than many expected, the experience gap and physical mismatch ultimately shaped the outcome. 

Purse Breakdown: How Much Money Was at Stake?

One of the biggest subplots of this fight was the astronomical purse tied to the event. This wasn’t just another fight — it was a financial phenomenon.

Reported Purse Figures

Before fight night, outlets floated a range of total purse estimates:

• A reported $184 million combined payday, meaning roughly $92 million per fighter. 

• Some claims suggested the fight’s value could be much higher, up to $267 million, based on statements from Paul on social media. 

• Independent sports business journalists later estimated more realistic figures in the $40-50 million range per fighter after discounting inflated claims. 

What This Means for Paul and Joshua

Even using conservative estimates, both competitors earned huge payouts far above typical boxing purses — a testament to the spectacle’s commercial appeal, Netflix’s reach, and Paul’s star power. 

Despite speculation that it might be Anthony Joshua’s biggest payday ever, promoter Eddie Hearn suggested otherwise — indicating that Joshua has earned more in other high-profile fights. 

Even in defeat, Paul’s payday is likely his largest ever, eclipsing previous earnings from fights like his 2024 bout with Mike Tyson. 

Public Reaction & Controversy

This was not just another fight — it was one of the most discussed boxing events of 2025.

Social media reactions ranged from admiration for Paul’s courage to criticism of the matchmaking:

• Many fans debated whether the fight was a “mismatch.” 

• Conversations around Paul’s position as an entertainer-fighter vs. elite boxer surged online.

• Some questioned how a social media star’s boxing career intersects with professional sport.

The bout drew millions of Netflix viewers, though some reports noted that its viewership was below previous Paul events — still reaching 33 million views live on Netflix alone. 

Injury & Recovery: Paul’s Road Back

Following the knockout, Paul confirmed on social media that his jaw was broken in two places — a severe injury that required surgical intervention and significant recovery time. 

Medical experts and combat sports insiders suggest a recovery period of several months, meaning Paul’s next fight will likely be many months away.

What’s Next for Jake Paul?

So what comes after this high-profile loss?

Paul’s Stated Plans

Despite the setback, Paul remains motivated. On his brother Logan’s podcast and in interviews, he:

• Suggested a desire to fight Francis Ngannou, a heavyweight MMA star who has boxed before. 

• Mentioned targeting fighters closer to his weight class rather than elite heavyweight champions.

• Expressed ambition to continue his boxing journey once fully healed.

Possible Future Opponents

Industry speculation and sports media reporting highlight a few potential next paths:

• A rematch with Tommy Fury, a fight Paul previously wanted but couldn’t secure pre-Joshua.

• A move toward cruiserweight competition, potentially chasing a world title in his natural weight class.

• Matchups with other crossover athletes like Francis Ngannou, though these would carry their own size and skill challenges. 

A Break Before the Return

With his recovery process underway, Paul has indicated he’ll take a hiatus from boxing in early 2026, focusing on healing, personal life, and strategy before returning to the ring.

Legacy & Impact on Boxing

Jake Paul’s journey has been more than just a personal story — it’s reshaped parts of the sport.

Broadening Boxing’s Audience

Paul’s crossover appeal brought millions of new viewers to boxing, especially younger fans who may not have engaged with traditional boxing.

Netflix’s global platform amplified distribution beyond conventional pay-per-view models.

Influence on Purses & Promotion

The massive money involved in the Paul-Joshua fight continues a trend where star power and spectacle command eye-watering payouts, changing expectations for crossover events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What weight did Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua fight at?

Jake Paul weighed approximately 216.6 lbs, while Anthony Joshua came in around 243.4 lbs, giving Joshua a weight advantage of nearly 27 pounds. 

Q2: How did Jake Paul lose to Anthony Joshua?

Anthony Joshua won by sixth-round knockout, delivering a decisive blow that ended the fight. Paul suffered a double broken jaw and was unable to continue. 

Q3: How much did Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua make from the fight?

Estimates vary, but both fighters likely earned between $40 million to $90+ million each, with some reports suggesting total purse figures as high as $184–$267 million for the event. 

Q4: What’s next for Jake Paul after the knockout loss?

Paul is expected to undergo a recovery period due to his broken jaw, then potentially pursue fights closer to his natural weight class like cruiserweight or rematches with fighters like Tommy Fury. 

Q5: Will Jake Paul fight Anthony Joshua again?

There are currently no confirmed plans for a rematch between Paul and Joshua. Paul’s recovery and future strategic choices will determine whether a second fight could happen