According to The Athletic, financial experts working with former two-time heavyweight champion boxer Anthony Joshua have been in negotiations with Championship club Watford over a potential £150 million takeover.
Watford has been owned by Italian Gino Pozzo since 2012, and it has been looking for new investors for some years. Anthony Joshua's involvement, even as a part of a consortium, points out the club's ambition to improve its financial and promotional standing.
The club's market value of £150 million to £175 million nearly matches Joshua's reportednet worth, making the discussions financially feasible. Joshua's global reputation and commercial appeal might greatly assist Watford's investment strategy.
Although Anthony Joshua is not directly involved in the negotiations, he has been contacted to participate in the Championship club's investment opportunities.
Commonly known as “AJ,” Joshua has an estimated net worth of £150 million to £200 million, according to the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List. He has strong connections to Watford, having been born at Watford General Hospital next to the club’s Vicarage Road ground, growing up in North Watford on the Meriden Estate, and attending school in nearby Kings Langley.
“A business that has brought investment opportunities to Anthony in the past was approached and held an entry-level discussion about an opportunity with Watford Football Club,” a spokesperson for Joshua told The Athletic.
Anthony Joshua has a considerable commercial influence, including endorsements from major global brands. His sports popularity, along with a 28 million social media following, should increase Watford's exposure and commercial prospects significantly.
Despite the potential appeal of this investment, Anthony Joshua's spokesperson has stated that he is now focused on boxing.
