Anthony Joshua secured a massive victory and the biggest payday of his career on Friday night. However, a staggering tax bill will significantly reduce his final earnings. Despite a reported total purse of $140 million for his heavyweight exhibition against Jake Paul, Joshua faces nearly $66 million in tax obligations.
The bout took place at the Kaseya Center in Miami. While the win was dominant, the financial implications of fighting in the United States are proving costly for the British star.
The “Double Tax” Reality
Because the fight occurred in the U.S., Joshua is subject to multiple layers of taxation. As a British citizen working abroad, he must satisfy both American and United Kingdom authorities. In contrast, Jake Paul will likely retain more of his purse because he only faces U.S. federal taxes.
Estimated Breakdown of Joshua’s Tax Bill:
- U.S. Federal Income Tax (37%): Approximately $52 million.
- UK HMRC Income Tax: Approximately $11.3 million.
- National Insurance Contributions: Approximately $2.8 million.
- Florida State Tax: $0 (Florida does not impose a state income tax).
After these deductions, Joshua is expected to take home roughly $74 million from his $140 million total prize.
Fight Summary: Clinical Dominance
The match ended in the sixth round with a decisive knockout. Joshua controlled the pace throughout the night, dropping Paul in the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds.
The finishing blow was a powerful right hand at 1:31 of the sixth round. The strike was so significant that it reportedly broke Paul’s jaw in two places. This victory brings Joshua’s professional record to 29 wins out of 33 fights, successfully rebounding from his previous defeat at Wembley.
Mandatory Medical Suspensions
Following the knockout, the Florida State Athletic Commission has issued mandatory medical breaks for both athletes:
- Jake Paul: Handed a minimum 45-day suspension. This could be extended to 60 or 90 days depending on the healing progress of his jaw.
- Anthony Joshua: Required to observe a standard 7-day suspension before returning to full training.
What is Next for Joshua?
While Jake Paul expressed interest in fighting Canelo Álvarez, Joshua has turned his attention to a domestic mega-fight. Following the win, Joshua officially challenged Tyson Fury. He vowed to fight the “Gypsy King” in 2026, a matchup that fans have anticipated for years.
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