British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is set to lose an estimated $66 million in taxes from his record-breaking $140 million fight purse earned in Miami, underscoring the growing financial impact of cross-border taxation on elite athletes competing in global events.
According to figures circulating within boxing and financial circles, Joshua’s earnings from the high-profile bout will be subject to tax obligations in both the United States and the United Kingdom. As the fight took place in the US, a significant portion of the income is liable to federal and state taxes, while UK tax authorities are also expected to claim their share under worldwide income rules.
After accounting for combined US and UK tax liabilities, Joshua’s net take-home pay is projected to fall to roughly $74 million. The scale of the deduction means that, despite headlining the event and securing the larger gross purse, Joshua is expected to retain less personal income than his defeated opponent, social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, whose tax exposure is believed to be lower due to residency and structuring advantages.
The development highlights the complex financial reality facing top-tier athletes, where headline purses often mask substantial post-event deductions. In addition to income taxes, fighters typically incur management fees, training camp costs, promotional expenses, and legal fees, further reducing net earnings from marquee bouts.
Joshua’s case also illustrates the importance of tax planning in modern sports business, particularly for athletes who earn substantial sums across multiple jurisdictions. Without careful structuring, income generated from international events can be exposed to overlapping tax regimes, significantly eroding headline earnings.
For boxing promoters and fighters alike, the figures reinforce a broader industry trend: while purses continue to rise amid booming pay-per-view revenues and global sponsorships, the proportion of income ultimately retained by athletes is increasingly shaped by tax policy rather than fight outcomes alone.
Despite the heavy tax hit, Joshua’s Miami payday remains one of the largest single-fight earnings in boxing history, further cementing his commercial power. However, the contrast between gross earnings and net income serves as a reminder that in elite sport, financial victories are often decided as much in tax offices as they are in the ring.
