While Anthony Joshua is a 6’6″, 243-pound former world champion, and Jake Paul is a 6’1″, 216-pound cruiserweight-turned-heavyweight, the “retail” bettors are overwhelmingly backing the upset.
The Betting Stats (DraftKings – As of Dec. 19, 2025)
- Bet Count: 82% of all individual tickets are on Jake Paul.
- Handle (Money): 90% of the total money wagered at DraftKings is on Jake Paul.
- The Exposure: A Jake Paul victory would reportedly result in a nearly $100 million loss for DraftKings alone.
Tale of the Tape & Fight Logistics
The physical gap between the two was stark at the weigh-in, where Joshua comfortably hit the contract-required limit of 245 lbs.
- Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida.
- Date: Friday, December 19, 2025.
- Format: Professional sanctioned fight, 8 rounds (3 mins each), 10oz gloves.
- Main Event Time: Ring walks are expected around 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT.
- How to Watch: Streaming live worldwide exclusively on Netflix.
Why is the Public Backing the Underdog?
Experts point to several factors causing this “one-way action” in Florida and across the U.S.:
- The High-Priced Favorite: At -1200, a bettor has to risk $1,200 to win just $100. Casual bettors find much more appeal in risking $100 to win $700 on Paul.
- The “Paul Hype” Factor: Paul’s recent victory over a 58-year-old Mike Tyson and his decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. have convinced a subset of fans that he is capable of “shocking the world.”
- The “Lose-Lose” Sentiment: Many fans believe Joshua is in a no-win situation; if he wins, he was supposed to. If he loses or even lets Paul go the distance, it is seen as a failure, leading some to gamble on the “circus” outcome.
