Anthony Joshua: Heavyweight star with £200m net worth eyes huge £150m takeover of boyhood club

Watford-born Nigerian star Anthony Joshua.

BOXING Anthony Joshua: Heavyweight star with £200m net worth eyes huge £150m takeover of boyhood club

Anthony Joshua: Heavyweight star with £200m net worth eyes huge £150m takeover of boyhood club

Izuchukwu Akawor • 05:55 - 06.06.2024

Anthony Joshua is set to swap boxing for football in a move that will see him invest in English club side Watford.

Anglo-Nigerian heavyweight boxing megastar Anthony Joshua is exploring the possibility of leading a £150 million takeover of his boyhood club Watford FC.

According to the Athletic report, financial experts are working for the two-time former heavyweight world champion have held preliminary talks with the Championship club about a potential deal to buy out current Italian owner Gino Pozzo.

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Anthony Joshua eyes Watford takeover

While Joshua himself is not directly involved in initial negotiations, the 34-year-old British sporting icon was approached about spearheading investment at the club he supported growing up in Watford.

With an estimated personal net worth between £150-200 million, Joshua would have the financial muscle to front a consortium bid for the Hornets. 

Nigerian-born boxer Anthony Joshua is set to face Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September.
Nigerian-born boxer Anthony Joshua is set to face Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September.

Sources suggest his role could be part of a larger investment group rather than as the sole buyer initially.

The links to a Watford takeover make perfect sense for the hugely popular Joshua. He was born at Watford General Hospital right next to Vicarage Road and grew up in the surrounding area, attending school in nearby Kings Langley.

Emmanuel Dennis celebrates for Watford.
Emmanuel Dennis celebrates for Watford.

Not only is Joshua a hometown hero with the club running through his veins, but his global commercial power could be transformative for Watford's ambitions. 

As one of the world's most recognisable athletes with a 28 million social media following, Joshua's involvement would bring unprecedented marketing might.

Anthony Joshua was born in Watford.
Anthony Joshua was born in Watford.

The Olympic gold medallist has lucrative endorsement deals with the likes of Under Armour, Hugo Boss, Land Rover and many more major brands lining up to work with him. 

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That commercial pulling power could help fund a new era of success on the pitch for the Championship club.

Watford have been seeking outside investment for some time under the Pozzo family ownership. Joshua's camp entering discussions represents the most high-profile interest in a potential takeover at Vicarage Road to date.

Watford are in the Championship.
Watford are in the Championship.

While talks may only be at an entry level currently, if Joshua does complete a dream acquisition of his beloved Watford, it would mark one of the biggest names in British sporting history taking over an English club. A heavyweight game-changer if it comes to fruition.

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