Anthony Joshua is set to pocket a career-best purse of £18 million for his US pro debut tonight to take his earnings from his last five fights to a cool £70 million.
Joshua’s earnings have steadily risen since he became a stadium fighter and he received £16 million for his last fight against Alexander Povetin at Wembley in September.
The unbeaten unified world heavyweight king is expected to eclipse that figure thanks to his broadcasting deals with DAZN and Sky Sports and the gate receipts from Madison Square Garden.
Joshua, 29, first hit eight figures when he pocketed £10 million for beating Wladimir Klitschko in front of a UK post-war record 90,000 crowd at Wembley in April 2017.
He received £12 million for beating Carlos Takam at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium that autumn before receiving £14 million for unifying against Joseph Parker in March 2018.
Joshua is one of Britain’s best-paid sportsmen and his earnings have rocketed since he picked up £15,000 for his professional debut against Emanuele Leo at The O2 in October 2013.
Even though he was already a millionaire from turning professional with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, he has not forgotten that measly first purse.
“I always laugh with AJ about his first purse,” said Hearn. “It was something like 15 or 20 grand and he said ‘you robbing b*****d!’
“Compare that to what he’s earning now and it’s incredible. That shows you his appeal and he has become a massive star, the biggest box office draw in boxing.”
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