The infamous 'Drake Curse' struck the boxing world once more this past Saturday night. Canadian superstar rapper Drake suffered a significant financial hit, losing a hefty $200,000 bet he placed on social media influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Drake had publicly backed Paul to cause a major upset against the formidable former heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua.
A Mismatch Sealed With a Knockout Punch
The highly anticipated fight in Saudi Arabia lived up to its billing as a clash between experience and internet fame. On paper, the bout was a stark contrast: a YouTuber with a growing boxing record against an Olympic gold medalist and two-time unified heavyweight champion. The gap in class became painfully clear inside the ring.
Anthony Joshua demonstrated his elite pedigree, controlling the fight before ending it decisively in the sixth round with a powerful knockout punch. The aftermath was brutal, with Jake Paul seen spitting blood and immediately questioning if his jaw was broken. "Anthony's a great fighter, I got my ass beat, but that's what this sport's about," Paul stated post-fight. He later confirmed his jaw was broken in two places.
Despite the devastating loss, Paul remained defiant about his future in boxing. "I love this so I'm going to come back and get a world championship belt at some point," he declared, showing his commitment to the sport despite the setback.
The Drake Curse Narrative Gains More Fuel
Before the first bell even rang, the online sports community was abuzz with talk of the 'Drake Curse' after the rapper's public wager. Drake placed the $200,000 bet through the crypto casino Stake, posting "Jakeyyyyy boy. Lock in" on his social media. Given Joshua's overwhelming experience, Paul was already considered a heavy underdog. Drake's endorsement only intensified the belief among fans that the athlete he supports is doomed to lose.
This superstition, known as the 'Drake Curse,' suggests that teams or athletes publicly backed by the 'Hotline Bling' singer often face defeat. The latest Jake Paul loss is just another high-profile chapter in this long-running online joke.
A Complicated Betting History: Curse or Coincidence?
Drake's recent high-profile sports betting losses have certainly fed the curse narrative. In May 2024, he lost $565,000 betting on Tyson Fury to beat Oleksandr Usyk. Before that, in November 2023, a $355,000 wager on Mike Tyson to defeat Jake Paul also failed, as Paul won by unanimous decision.
However, a deeper look at the numbers reveals a more nuanced story. Contrary to the myth of perpetual bad luck, data from websites tracking his public wagers shows Drake is actually in profit overall. From 82 publicly disclosed bets, totaling roughly $35.75 million, he has seen returns of about $36.17 million, netting a profit of approximately $413,000.
His success varies by sport. The NFL has been his most profitable arena, reportedly earning him $1.68 million. Conversely, soccer bets have been unkind, leaving him down by about $1.90 million. The rapper is also a known enthusiast for UFC and MMA, having placed 25 publicly discussed bets on fights in the octagon.
While the 'Drake Curse' makes for entertaining social media banter, the financial reality is that the global music icon's betting adventures have been a mixed bag, with this latest $200,000 loss on Jake Paul simply adding to the legend, if not the ledger.
