Jake Paul Faces Long Odds Against Anthony Joshua
Jake Paul's heavyweight debut on December 19 places him in the most challenging matchup of his career, as he faces former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The betting odds reflect this, too, greatly favoring the reigning champion.
Joshua typically enters the ring at roughly 250 pounds, creating a significant size disparity for Paul, who has campaigned at 200 pounds or below. Betting markets at the best sports betting sites reflected the gap in experience and competition level, with Joshua's odds shortening in recent weeks. DraftKings lists Joshua at -1200 and Paul at +700. FanDuel is at -1300 to +700.
Joshua enters the contest with 28 wins, 25 of them by knockout, and remains a central figure in the heavyweight division despite undergoing elbow surgery earlier in the year. According to reports, he views the Paul fight as training for elite fights anticipated in early 2026, such as a possible matchup with Tyson Fury.
Paul's résumé is built on victories over a mix of former MMA champions and aging boxing figures, including a high-profile win over Mike Tyson in November 2024, which set a record for Texas combat sports revenue. He later defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on points, though he remains ranked No. 14 by the WBA at cruiserweight.
The safety and competitiveness of the matchup have been questioned due to Joshua's 12-1 record and lack of experience against professional boxers, particularly in light of his demonstrated strength and size advantage.
Hollywood producer bets big on Paul
Despite the overwhelming odds, Paul's prospects have drawn a lot of attention from well-known supporters outside of the boxing community. Longtime film producer Jon Peters reportedly wagered $5 million on Paul to win as part of that momentum.
The development follows private discussions between Paul and Peters, after which the producer became convinced that the matchup offered unusually high upside given Paul's confidence and perceived strategic approach.
The bet, placed with an unspecified sportsbook, carries the potential for extraordinary returns. If Paul pulls off the upset, estimates indicate the wager could yield profits of between $30 million and $45 million, depending on the odds.
Those close to Peters have reportedly questioned the scope of this most recent gamble. Peters has a history of embracing high-risk decisions throughout his career, including significant film projects that were met with skepticism at the outset.
Peters discussed his reasoning publicly on a recent episode of TMZ Live, describing strong support for Paul within his family and indicating that multiple relatives are placing their own wagers. Combined, those bets could total approximately $50 million in potential winnings if Paul emerges victorious.
