Anthony Joshua has partnered with DAZN Group as the two-time heavyweight champion’s future fights are broadcast on the sports entertainment platform.
Leaving his deal with Sky Sports, Joshua has now strengthened his partnership with DAZN by becoming a shareholder, special advisor as well as a brand ambassador for the business.
“I am entering a new phase in my career with a new training environment, new coaches and now a new broadcaster,” said Joshua. “Negotiations at this level take time so I am pleased to have it all wrapped up and now I can fully focus on giving the fans and DAZN what they want, knockouts in the glamour division.
“I’ve been working with DAZN and following its progress for a long time. We have enjoyed a really successful partnership in the US for many years and I know the team and understand the passion and drive of the business.”
As a special advisor, Joshua will join DAZN’s strategic advisory board as the business develops its global boxing offering by looking to provide a ‘richer and more immersive experience’ for its customers.
The boxer continued: “DAZN’s vision and passion to innovate is what attracted me to the partnership. They are leading the digital landscape in sport and the future of sports broadcasting. I am really looking forward to a long and successful partnership.”
DAZN also offers access to elite fighters such as Canelo Álvarez, Ryan Garcia, Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin and Katie Taylor.
The platform’s CEO, Shay Segev, added: “AJ is a hugely popular and influential sportsman. His alignment with us and his investment in our business speaks volumes. This deal is his seal of approval for our vision and our direction as a business. We welcome his passion, his drive and – most significantly – the vast audiences he attracts.
“In addition to being a world-class fighter, Joshua is an entrepreneur and businessman. He founded management business 258 MGT in 2016 and represents boxing’s greatest rising stars, including Josh Buatsi, Derek Chisora and Ben Whittaker. His partnership with DAZN is a testament to his belief in the business strategy.”
Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing, noted that the partnership has been successful over the years, and the extension looks to ‘set the standards’ for the future of sports broadcasting.
“We have a shared vision with DAZN to make it the unrivalled home of boxing for fans across the world,” Hearn concluded. “Now with Anthony joining the team the stage is set to do even more together and we are looking forward to getting started.”
