In a dramatic clash at Wembley Stadium, former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua faced off against Daniel Dubois in an IBF heavyweight showdown that ended in a shocking fifth-round knockout. Despite his defeat, Joshua is poised to earn significantly more than his opponent, with earnings that reflect his star power and the high stakes of the fight.
Reports from Sporty Salaries, shared via GB News, indicate that Joshua had a guaranteed purse of £6 million just for his participation in the match, with potential total earnings soaring up to £25 million when factoring in pay-per-view revenue. In contrast, Dubois, who achieved an unexpected victory, is set to receive a guaranteed payment of £3.5 million, with the possibility of reaching £10 million based on the same pay-per-view metrics.
Joshua’s higher earnings can be attributed to the immense attention and draw he commands in the boxing world, even after suffering a setback in his career. This fight marked Joshua’s fourth career defeat, but it has not deterred him from his aspirations in the sport. In the wake of his loss, Joshua has expressed his determination to continue fighting, despite increasing calls for his retirement from the sport.
In an uplifting video posted on his Instagram account following the match, Joshua reflected on his journey, stating, “We came up short, but we have got to look at all the positives, and that’s the mindset that we have to have—a positive one, always. Look at what we’ve achieved in the space of 11 years, and I want to thank every one of you that’s been riding with me. What a rollercoaster journey! But you know what the problem is, is that it’s far from over yet.”
Dubois’ victory has catapulted him to the forefront of the heavyweight division, opening up potential matchups with other boxing giants such as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. A rematch with Joshua is also on the table, as boxing fans eagerly anticipate the future dynamics of the heavyweight landscape.
In terms of attendance, the bout reportedly attracted a record crowd for a British boxing match, with Turki Alalshikh indicating that more than 98,128 fans were present at Wembley, showcasing the immense popularity of the sport and the fighters involved.
