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Tickets to Anthony Joshua's controversial fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami next month have been released, and early signs suggest sellers aren’t missing the chance to maximise interest.
AJ and 'The Problem Child' will take to the ring in Miami on December 19, with the bout, which will be streamed live on Netflix, to consist of eight three-minute rounds and have professional status.
The two-time heavyweight champion hasn't fought since he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024 when the pair faced off for the IBF heavyweight title.
He will go up against former Disney actor turned vine creator, YouTuber, and now professional boxer Paul. And while the 28-year-old is yet to fight anyone near the level of Joshua - even if the Brit is eight years his senior at 36 - it appears the intrigue in the controversial bout is sky-high.
Ticket sellers have anchored the cheapest tickets for around $99 (£75), while the ringside seat with all the trimmings costs $30,000 (£22,673) and includes VIP arena entry, a 'commemorative credential', and exclusive access to a hospitality reception that includes all-inclusive food and premium open bar.
The 'Diamond VIP package' also includes a post-fight in-ring photo opportunity and access to press conference and weigh-in ahead of the fight.
Tickets to Anthony Joshua 's controversial fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami next month have been released, and early signs show sellers are maximising interest
A ringside seat with all the trimmings costs $30,000 (£22,673) and the'Diamond VIP package' includes a post-fight in-ring photo opportunity and access to press conference and weigh-in
At the time of writing, more than 30 tickets have already been sold, leaving only 10 still available. The Kaseya Center - located in the heart of the city - is home to the Miami Heat and will hold roughly 20,000 spectators for the fight.
Joshua's decision to accept Paul's challenge, which will see him earn £70million, has caused contention for a variety of reasons, including questions about how it will impact his legacy and the perceived mismatch of the bout.
But Joshua - who has turned to Oleksandr Usyk's team to help prepare him for the fight - has dismissed the criticism surrounding the contest, insisting he was not concerned by the negative reaction.
'I don't address people that are against me,' he said. 'People say, "what do you feel about negative comments?" Why am I worried about negative comments?'
'I just focus on the people who believe in me and support me,' he added. 'I have nothing to say to those people.'
Paul, meanwhile, paid tribute to Joshua's achievements but maintained he believed he could cause an upset.
'He is one of the best heavyweights ever but I believe that fighting a small man is often harder as a heavyweight, because of the speed difference and because of the foot-speed and the angles,' Paul said.
Joshua's decision to accept Paul's challenge, which will see him earn £70million, has caused contention for a variety of reasons including questions about how it will impact his legacy
'All that power is great and he's knocked people out, I just have to avoid that one shot for eight rounds and I believe that I can do that,' he added.
'I know this is much more challenging but I know what I'm capable of. This is going to be fun. I want him to cut me up, I want him to break my face, but guess what? He's going to have to kill me to stop me, and I'm seriously ready to die.'
The fight contract contains an eye-catching stipulation of a 245lbs weight limit, despite it being at heavyweight.
Joshua has weighed over 250lbs in each of his last five fights, and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has admitted that 'AJ' still has some way to go before making the weight limit. With just over three weeks to go, Joshua is currently around 265lbs.
