Key Points:
- Anthony Joshua eyes $192-million takeover of Watford F.C., diversifying his financial portfolio beyond boxing.
- Joshua’s financial advisors are negotiating with Watford’s owner Gino Pozzo, amid the club’s search for new investments.
- With $83 million earned last year, Joshua’s investment could boost Watford’s financial and promotional standing due to his global appeal.
Nigerian-born British boxer Anthony Joshua is diversifying his financial portfolio, with a potential £150-million ($192 million) takeover of English Championship club Watford F.C.
The former two-time heavyweight champion, who earned $83 million over the past year, is now setting his sights on the football world.
According to reports, Joshua’s financial experts have been in talks with Watford regarding the acquisition. The club, owned by Italian businessman Gino Pozzo since 2012, has been seeking new investment in recent years.
Watford’s financial prospects
Watford’s valuation is between £150 million ($192 million) and £175 million ($223.7 million). The details of Anthony Joshua’s proposal remain undisclosed.
Joshua’s potential investment comes at a critical time for Watford, as the club is in talks with other parties for a minority stake.
His involvement could significantly boost the club’s financial and promotional standing, given his global recognition and commercial appeal.
Antony Joshua shifts focus to football after $83 million year in boxing
The 34-year-old boxer’s foray into football comes on the back of a successful year in the ring. Joshua raked in an estimated $83 million, with $75 million from fight purses and $8 million from endorsements with brands like Under Armour, Beats By Dre, and Lucozade.
His recent four-fight winning streak, including a knockout of Francis Ngannou in March, has solidified his status as a heavyweight force.
Joshua has ambitious financial goals, aiming to surpass Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s career earnings of $700 million. “Being a millionaire is good, but you have to set your sights higher. The new school of thought is that I need to be a billionaire,” Joshua stated in a recent GQ interview.
Joshua expands business portfolio, ventures beyond boxing and football
Joshua’s business ventures are not limited to boxing and football. In 2023, Joshua diversified his investments by joining the investment group of Formula One’s Alpine racing team, expanding beyond his boxing and football ventures.
The potential takeover of Watford represents another notable stride in his growing career beyond boxing.
