Drake lost £150,000 backing Jake Paul in Anthony Joshua’s sixth‑round victory — a reminder that celebrity-backed longshots often flop. Punters should lean toward proven pros like Joshua in high-profile boxing matches, consider smaller stakes or round/prop bets (AJ stoppage) instead of large outright wagers on hype-driven underdogs.
Drake’s Costly Gamble: Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua
Drake’s high-stakes bet on Jake Paul ended in a £150,000 loss after Anthony Joshua stopped Paul in the sixth round. The rapper had stood to win roughly £1.2 million had Paul pulled off the upset, and he openly celebrated the wager beforehand with the caption "Jakeyyyyy boy. Lock tf in." Paul’s defeat marks the second loss of his professional fighting career.
The Drake Curse: Celebrity Photos and Bad Luck
The so-called "Drake Curse" — a superstition linking the star’s public support or photos with athletes to subsequent misfortune — has become a talking point after several high-profile examples. Players and fighters who posed with or were publicly backed by Drake have sometimes suffered defeats or setbacks soon after, fuelling the narrative among fans and bettors alike.
Notable Incidents Cited
Instances commonly mentioned include professional footballers and combat sports figures who faced unexpected reversals following interactions with Drake. The pattern has grown into pop-culture lore, with rivals and commentators frequently referencing it ahead of big matches.
Joshua’s Take and Dressing Room Superstition
Anthony Joshua has publicly acknowledged the superstition, admitting he’s wary of inviting Drake into his dressing room due to the "curse." Joshua recalled that after he posed for a photo with Drake ahead of a scheduled fight, an opponent was later ruled out and the bout was reshaped — an episode that reinforced his caution.
Drake’s Broader Gambling Record
Drake has been transparent about heavy gambling losses. He posted that he lost roughly £5 million in a single month and has revealed other big-ticket wagers, including nearly £600,000 split across two NBA bets and a £750,000 loss on an NHL game involving the Toronto Maple Leafs. Those public disclosures have intensified scrutiny of celebrity bettors and the risks of oversized stakes.
How This Shapes Betting Behavior
For punters, the episode is a cautionary tale about betting on narrative over form. High-profile celebrity endorsements or social-media hype can inflate odds on underdogs, but proven professionals with established records—like Anthony Joshua—often remain the safer options in marquee bouts. Consider smaller stakes, round- or method-of-victory props, and disciplined bankroll management rather than large outright wagers tied to celebrity narratives.
Takeaway for Sports Bettors
High-profile losses tied to celebrity-fueled underdogs underline the value of objective analysis: check records, recent form, styles matchup, and realistic value in the odds. Where emotion and publicity spike interest, opportunities for sharper, more measured betting strategies often exist.
Jake Paul has admitted there is one fighter he will never face
Rap superstar Drake but an astonishing amount of money on the line for Jake Paul's highly-anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua
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