Former boxing world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has reportedly opened discussions with Watford FC surrounding a potential investment opportunity.
The Athletic revealed that Joshua’s financial experts have opened exploratory talks with the football club with Joshua not directly involved.
It is unknown the extent of investment being discussed but Joshua is believed to be interested in becoming a minority owner in Watford, the area where he was born and raised.
Joshua grew up in North Watford and went to school in the area. The two-time world champion has also been back to Watford to organise and partake in various community events and activities.
Depending on whether the early stage talks accelerate, Joshua would not become the first celebrity figure to have a senior position at the club. Legendary music artist Sir Elton John still holds shares in the club and even served as its Chairman from 1997 to 2002.
It is believed that Watford’s majority owner, Gino Pozzo, values the club between £150m-£175m and is seeking new investment in the club.
According to 2024 Sunday Times Rich List, Joshua’s net worth stands between £150m-£200m, indicating a small ownership percentage of the club is feasible for the British boxer.
A spokesperson on behalf of Joshua told The Athletic: “An investment business which has brought Anthony investment opportunities in the past was approached and held an entry level discussion about an opportunity with Watford Football Club. This was an initial chat without even a discussion over due diligence which so often kills these types of deals.
“Anthony is not involved and has no plans to be involved. He is fully focused on boxing and has no time at the moment to give to new opportunities outside of his sport. He is a son of Watford and wishes them all the best.”
EFL Championship teams seeking outside investment from interested parties in the sporting world is becoming a common occurrence.
Leeds United, who have recently brought on the Red Bull Group as an investor, currently have NBA star Russell Westbrook and golf duo Jordan Speith and Justin Thomas as investors as part of its new majority ownership consortium under the San Francisco 49ers Enterprises.
