Fans in Disbelief After Seeing Drake's Huge Bet on Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua

Canadian rap artist Drake has told Jake Paul to "lock in" after he placed a $200,000 (£149k) bet on his heavyweight bout against Anthony Joshua.

Known for placing large sums of money on sporting events (and often losing them), the so-called 'Drake Curse' has struck on many occasions over the years – just ask a handful of fighters, including Israel Adesanya, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal.

From being $300,000 out of pocket during the 2024 Copa America, when Canada lost to world champions Argentina in the semi-finals, to the $833,00,000 he blew after placing a staggering bet on Arsenal and Barcelona in 2022.

Drake has hardly enjoyed the most success from his betting endeavours, but he will be hoping that changes on Friday, when Jake Paul attempts to pull off the biggest upset in boxing history.

Paul is confident about his chances against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. "I don't think he can knock me out because he's not going to be able to line up his shots properly to land the hard punch," he said on The Pat McAfee Show.

'The Problem Child' added: "I think it's going to be a very tough fight for multiple rounds, but then, when I figure out his pacing, his style, his speed, his footwork, he's going to get a little bit tired trying to chase me around, and then I'm going to set up the shot."

Paul believes he can beat Anthony Joshua on Friday. Image credit: Getty

Paul suggested he would stop Joshua in the fifth or sixth round, a claim that many fight fans have questioned. However, Drake thinks the YouTube personality can pull off the seemingly impossible.

Taking to his Instagram story ahead of the fight, Drake posted a screenshot of the $200,000 bet on Paul to beat Joshua alongside a message that read: "Jakeyyyyy boy. Lock tf in."

Drake will take home more than $1.6 million if the bet comes out.

Here's how fans have reacted to Drake''s bet.

One said: "Drake curse gonna strike again," while another commented: "Thank you Drake. Now I get to see Jake Paul absolutely crushed on the canvas."

A third added: "We are officially safe from a Jake Paul victory. The question now becomes, will Jake sleep?"

Tyson Fury claimed he was '100% serious' about bet for Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua

Joshua is the overwhelming favourite to have his hand raised at the 19,600-capacity Kaseya Center in Miami and is no bigger than 1/8 on betting sites for the win.

Paul, meanwhile, has been slapped as a 12/1 underdog by Oddschecker, although former unified champion Tyson Fury is confident that the YouTuber-turned-boxer will overcome the odds to record the biggest victory of his professional career.

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Speaking to IFL TV in July, Fury was convinced. "Jake Paul chins AJ, yes. 100 per cent. If they fight, I'm putting a million quid on Jake Paul. I want some free money," he said.

Fury later added: "I think that AJ is a spent force, and I think Jake Paul is on the rise. I like his new heavyweight look, he is a bit chubby, a bit bulky, he is getting there."

How to watch Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua if you don’t have Netflix

If you don’t already have Netflix, there is a workaround to essentially get it for ‘free’ as part of a bargain bundle.

Sky is currently offering its ‘Stream on Screen’ package - including Netflix, discovery+ and much more - for just £15/ month. It’s Sky’s lowest-ever price and will allow you to watch the big fight live along with Sky Atlantic, Sky Stream and Sky Essential TV.

Browse deals here.