- Anthony Joshua’s representatives confirmed the ‘exploratory discussions’ on Thursday
- The heavyweight boxer is reportedly worth between £150 million and £200 million
- The boxer earned over £39 million after his fight with Francis Ngannou
Anthony Joshua has reportedly been ‘approached about a potential £150m investment opportunity in a former Premier League football club.
It is understood the British heavyweight, whose company, Sparta Promotions, raked in a huge £41.3million after the 34-year-old remained unbeaten in 2023.
According to The Sunday Times Rich ListJoshua has a net worth of around £150 million to £200 million, having previously worked as a brand ambassador for the likes of Lucozade, Under Armour, Hugo Boss, Land Rover and Jaguar.
Joshua has fought once in 2024, scoring a sensational second-round knockout win against Francis Ngannou in March, earning around £39 million before any pay-per-view sales.
According to The Athleticsthe former heavyweight champion’s representatives are now involved in ‘exploratory talks’ over an investment in former Premier League club Watford.
Anthony Joshua has reportedly been approached with an option to invest in a football club
The boxer is reportedly worth between £150million and £200million after earning at least £39million from his recent fight against Francis Ngannou
His representatives state that ‘exploratory discussions’ have been held to buy the club over a possible investment
They claim Watford are looking for a cash injection and state that ‘Joshua was not directly involved in the discussions’ to invest the club.
The Hornets are currently owned by Italian businessman Gino Pozzo, who became the club’s majority owner in 2014.
The north London side finished 15th in the Championship this season after being relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2021-2022 season.
Joshua, who was born at Watford General Hospital and grew up in the city on Watford’s Meriden Estate, has strong links with the club but it appears his representatives have seemingly walked away from the proposals.
“An investment company that has provided Anthony with investment opportunities in the past was approached and held an entry-level discussion regarding an opportunity at Watford Football Club,” his representatives told The Athletic.
“This was a first conversation without even a discussion about the due diligence that so often kills these types of deals.”
Watford had approached the heavyweight boxer about a deal to buy a share in the club
The North London company has reportedly been looking for new investment for some time
The Hornets are currently owned by Italian businessman Gino Pozzo (pictured), who took over in 2014
It is understood that Joshua (left) has ‘no plans to be involved’ at this stage and is ‘focused on boxing’
The outlet also claims that his involvement could be part of a consortium investment, with Watford recently looking for new investment.
“Anthony is not involved and has no plans to be involved. He is completely focused on boxing and currently has no time to focus on new opportunities outside of his sport. He is a son of Watford and wishes them all the best,” said Joshua’s spokesperson.
Reports from The Athletics had claimed in January that an American company was in talks to buy a stake in the club.