Canadian rap superstar Drake reportedly suffered a major betting loss of ₦296 million after backing YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul to defeat former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in their much-hyped Miami showdown on December 21, 2025.
Anthony Joshua Clinches Decisive Win
In the early hours of Saturday, December 21, Anthony Joshua demonstrated his superior skill and power in the ring, ultimately defeating Jake Paul via a sixth-round knockout in what was billed as a high-stakes heavyweight contest in Miami, USA.
Joshua’s experience and tactical approach proved crucial as he floored Paul twice in the fifth round, softening the YouTuber for a punishing final assault in the sixth round that ended the fight decisively, leaving Paul unable to continue.
The victory reaffirmed Joshua’s dominance in the heavyweight division and reminded fans why he is considered one of boxing’s elite talents despite a hiatus before the fight.
Drake’s $200,000 Bet on Jake Paul
Ahead of the bout, Drake publicly revealed his $200,000 (approximately ₦296 million) wager on Jake Paul via his Instagram story, captioned: “Jakeyyyyy boy, lock tf in.”
Had Jake Paul pulled off the upset, the Canadian rapper stood to win over $1.6 million (more than ₦2 billion), making it a potentially lucrative payday. However, the result went against him, resulting in a significant financial setback.
Fans and social media users quickly reacted to the revelation of Drake’s bet, with many joking about the irony of backing an underdog who ultimately suffered a decisive defeat.
A Pattern of High-Stakes Losses
This loss adds to a growing list of high-profile betting misfortunes for Drake. Earlier in the year, the rapper reportedly lost ₦451 million after placing a wager on Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner during the US Open.](p)
Despite the financial setbacks, Drake remains one of the most prominent figures willing to openly engage in celebrity sports betting, a habit that continues to attract attention and discussion online.
Public Reaction and Memes
The betting loss sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans creating memes and humorous posts highlighting Drake’s misfortune. Many highlighted the gamble as yet another reminder of the unpredictability of sports betting, especially when backing underdogs in high-profile events.
Others compared his recent losses, jokingly dubbing him “the celebrity with the worst luck in sports betting,” while noting that such risks are part and parcel of placing big-money wagers in high-stakes bouts.
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