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The Big Names Betting On Paul To Beat Joshua

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Dec 17, 2025 2:42 AM ET

Hollywood producer Jon Peters has placed a $5 million bet on Jake Paul to pull off an upset win against Anthony Joshua on December 19.

Paul faces the biggest test of his career, with Joshua being the massive favorite. Paul’s professional record stands at 12-1, with 7 knockouts to his name. Paul’s sole loss came against Tommy Fury, with Joshua presenting an even bigger challenge than that fight. While Joshua is coming off a stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, he is a former two-time unified heavyweight champion.

Joshua has also beaten the likes of Joseph Parker and Wladimir Klitschko. And yet, Peters has decided to go with Paul. Reports indicate that a $5 million bet was placed after a private conversation with Paul. Peters apparently walked away “fully convinced” that Jake would win. The odds place Paul as a +650 underdog. That means Peters could win between $30 million and $45 million, with up to $50 million if his family’s bets also pay off.

“This is my first time I’ve ever bet on anybody in my life, other than myself, because I’ve been watching his career, and he’s like me. He’s like a weed that grew into an oak tree. When I talked to Jake on the telephone, and he [said] he would rather die than lose, I wanted to hear that. The other guy, is this just another win? He’s a champion. He’s also seven years, eight years older. I think Jake may knock him out in the first round. I’ve been a fighter my whole life. I know about fighting. I just believe it. And I have my kids betting on it, too. With everybody betting, we could make $50 million,” Peters said

Peters isn’t the only notable name putting money on the underdog. Nate Diaz also shared his betting slip online, showing a $20,000 wager on Paul. At the current odds, Diaz is looking at a $142,000 payout should Paul secure the win. Tim Bradley, the two-weight world champion, also put his money behind Paul beating AJ.

“I’m going to put five stacks on Jake Paul. The odds are too crazy. That overhand right that Jake Paul got. It ain’t no joke. Joshua coming in light in the a** too. I don’t think it’s a good thing. He [Joshua] said, ‘It’s all about money.’ It is, but the way you said it, it’s a game to you. Jake Paul is all in. I watched Joshua’s last fight against Dubois. I’m getting cold feet on this one,” Bradley said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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