Anthony Joshua to pay $66m tax from Jake Paul fight earning

Anthony Joshua’s biggest payday in the ring has also resulted in one of the heaviest tax obligations of his career, highlighting how international fight earnings can be significantly reduced once taxes are applied.

Joshua reportedly earned $92 million from his heavyweight exhibition bout against Jake Paul on Friday night in Miami. The contest formed part of a $184 million purse, which was split equally between both fighters, making it the largest single fight payout of Joshua’s career.

However, because the bout took place in the United States, a large portion of the earnings will be lost to taxation. US federal income tax alone is expected to take about 37 percent of Joshua’s fight purse, amounting to roughly $52 million.

In addition, Joshua will also face tax obligations in the United Kingdom. He is expected to pay around $11.3 million to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, alongside approximately $2.8 million in National Insurance contributions. Altogether, his total tax bill is estimated at about $66 million.

Florida’s lack of state income tax offers some relief, but even with that advantage, Joshua’s combined US and UK deductions significantly reduce his earnings. After taxes, his estimated take-home income from the fight and related revenues stands at about $74 million from a gross total of roughly $140 million.

Inside the ring, the fight was brief and dominant. Joshua controlled the contest before landing a clean right hand in the sixth round that knocked out Paul, who had endured heavy punishment throughout the bout.

Although both fighters earned the same purse, Jake Paul’s tax situation is far more straightforward. As a US-based athlete, he is expected to pay taxes only in the United States, allowing him to retain a larger share of his winnings.

The contrast underscores how residency and fight location can have as much impact on a boxer’s final earnings as the result itself. Joshua’s income is taxed in both the US and the UK, with National Insurance further reducing his net pay.

The bout also comes at a notable point in Joshua’s career. Earlier this year, he dropped off Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s 50 highest-paid athletes. In 2024, he ranked 16th after earning about $83 million before taxes, boosted by four victories in the ring and endorsement deals with brands such as Under Armour, Beats by Dre, and Lucozade.