Anthony Joshua teases surprise move into another sport amid Jake Paul showdown talks


Anthony Joshua has taken to social media to make a plea to Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn over a business venture in a different sport.

Since turning professional in 2013 Joshua has been attached to the Matchroom banner, a partnership that led to two-time world champion status for the 2012 Olympic gold medallist.

Currently sidelined as he recovers from elbow surgery he underwent earlier this year, Joshua appears to be brainstorming ideas for life after boxing, suggesting to Hearn that they tackle football agency together.

Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year

He posted on his Instagram story: โ€œEddie Hearn, the family has conquered darts, snooker, pool, boxing, fishing, golf, owning a football club & youโ€™ve had a presence in basketball, netball & gymnastics.

โ€œI believe โ€˜weโ€™ could look at the football agency industry and have a strong presence.

โ€œImagine we help manager the player who helped England win the World Cup.

โ€œCall me tomorrow mate.โ€

Eddie Hearnโ€™s father, founder of Matchroom Barry Hearn, owned English Football League club Leyton Orient for the best part of two decades, but that is the limit of the familyโ€™s direct involvement in the sport.

However, Matchroomโ€™s success across a variety of sports would give them instant authority in the world of football. There has been some overlap with football agencies and promotions in the past, with one of the biggest companies in soccer, Wasserman, buying Team Sauerland and creating Wasserman Boxing in 2021.

In May, Joshua confirmed that he was exploring the possibility of buying shares in hometown football club Watford. The Hornets have bounced between the Premier League and Championship over the past 20 years, but whilst Joshua is fond of the club, it appeared to be more of a financial decision.

He told Seconds Out: “We wanted to move into private equity, venture capital funds. As you earn, naturally, you want to save.

“So rather than me spending recklessly Iโ€™m trying to invest money into certain asset classes and that was an opportunity that presented itself.

DAZN logo

Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing

Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.

Buy Now

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

DAZN logo

Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing

Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.

Buy Now

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

โ€œNothingโ€™s come of it yet. Itโ€™s a serious investment. If it comes off itโ€™s one that should do well.

โ€œIf they went back to the Premier League, then Iโ€™d need to get a shop on Market Street because the traffic that would be coming through Watford would be phenomenal.

โ€œIf we donโ€™t do it then good luck to them anyway because theyโ€™re a great team.”

Speculation has surrounded Joshua in recent days, with rumours about his next opponent. Latest Queensberry recruit Tony Yoka is one mooted option, but Jake Paulโ€™s camp have claimed that talks with Matchroom have started regarding a potential bout between their fighter and Joshua.


DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world’s best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more.

An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of ยฃ119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that’s just 64p / $1.21 per fight.

There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at ยฃ24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts. For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up, click here.

Leave comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *.