Netflix’s broadcast of the Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua contest on Friday, December 19 drew an estimated 33 million viewers around the world, according to VideoAmp and Netflix data.
The sixth-round stoppage by Joshua, which concluded just after midnight Eastern Time, represented Netflix’s third live event with Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. From an audience perspective, however, it fell well short of Paul’s November 2024 encounter with Mike Tyson, which attracted an average minute audience of 108 million viewers globally and reached 65 million concurrent live watchers at its peak.
Despite the reduced numbers compared to the Tyson event, the 33 million figure would have positioned the Paul-Joshua contest as the 15th most-watched television broadcast in the United States during 2024. The viewership would have placed it between an NFC Wild Card Playoff game featuring the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions on NBC and an AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens on ESPN/ABC.
While Joshua delivered a dominant performance inside the ring, earning a reported $93 million from the Florida-based event, the former heavyweight titleholder faces a complicated financial reality due to his tax residency. The Olympic gold medalist must navigate dual-taxation requirements that will consume nearly half his total earnings.
Because the contest took place on American soil, Joshua owes U.S. federal income tax at the top rate of 37 percent, which accounts for roughly $52 million according to estimates from Yahoo Sports and financial analysts. However, his obligations extend beyond American borders. As a UK resident, Joshua remains liable for taxes on his worldwide income, meaning His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs expects an additional $11.3 million payment. National Insurance contributions will claim another $2.8 million from his purse.
When all obligations are calculated, Joshua faces approximately $66 million in total tax payments, leaving him with about $74 million from the event. While that remains a substantial sum, it represents only about 53 percent of his original earnings.
Paul‘s financial situation proves far more straightforward. The Florida resident benefits from both the absence of state income tax and freedom from UK taxation. His only obligation involves U.S. federal taxes, allowing him to retain a substantially larger percentage of his purse despite the outcome in the ring.
A separate analysis conducted by betting data firm AceOdds, examining the figures in British pounds, reached similar conclusions. Based on a £70 million payout, Joshua could surrender more than £31 million to various tax authorities.
The situation presents an unusual outcome, the victor who dominated the contest may ultimately take home less money than his opponent. For professional athletes competing internationally, tax implications can reshape the economics of even the most lucrative opportunities, demonstrating how geography and tax policy can transform a nine-figure payday into something considerably smaller.
