Former YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul is set to step into the ring this weekend for what's undoubtedly his biggest fight yet, and the stakes are accurately represented in the 'insane' amount of money that both Paul and his opponent will earn.
It's long been understood quite how much money you can earn as a top level boxer, as even exhibition fights with nothing on the line can often have the highest cash incentives providing there's enough demand from audiences.
Despite being considered a joke by many within the boxing world, it's hard to deny that ex-YouTuber and social media star Jake Paul has changed the sport, as he was at the forefront of the influencer boxing push that has shifted what audiences want to see.
It's only been a year since Paul took on boxing legend Mike Tyson in a fight that was so bad many are still convinced it was fixed – especially after a 'script' was allegedly leaked – yet now 'The Problem Child' is on the verge of receiving a pay package that makes his previous fights seem minuscule in comparison.
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As reported by the Independent, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding the expected payday for Jake Paul's fight against two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, which is set to be broadcast live on Netflix on Saturday (December 20).
Paul already made a boatload from his fight against Tyson last year, taking home around $40 million from his victory, yet the exhibition bout against Joshua is the first time he's stepped into the ring with a leading active fighter.
UFC expert and podcast king Joe Rogan has previously predicted that Paul is in for a tough time when he steps into the ring against Joshua, but even if he does get knocked out within the first few seconds it could all be worth it when he sees his bank account afterwards.
Initial reports from the Daily Mail speculated that a prize pool of around $184 million would be shared evenly between the two fighters, yet Paul himself has taken to X to clarify this, and it's somehow even higher.
Paul simply posted: "Stop asking me. $267 million," and social media was left with its mouth agape.
If this was eye-watering pay package was shared evenly, this would leave each fighter with $133.5 million each, ranking easily among the highest-earning boxing fights in history.
Speaking to the Independent, sports and entertainment accountant Oriana Morrison estimated that "even if the lower figure – the rumored $184 million purse – is true, AJ could bring home $92 million. We haven't seen a boxing match with a purse at this level since Mayweather vs Pacquiao in 2015 or even Mayweather vs McGregor in 2017," adding that "it's higher than any Saudi purse to date."
There are certainly going to be more eyes than ever before on Paul's fight, with many tuning in with the hope that he does get knocked out early, yet who knows if the influencer could make a real mark on the boxing world by taking out his biggest opponent yet by some margin.