British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua is poised to invest in the Championship team Watford. His spokesperson confirmed on Friday that an investment group working with Joshua has been in discussions about injecting funds into the club, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Joshua, a former world heavyweight champion, is a lifelong fan of the Hornets and has frequently expressed his support for the Championship side.
A spokesperson for Joshua told The Athletic, “An investment business that has previously brought investment opportunities to Anthony was approached and had an initial discussion about an opportunity with Watford Football Club. This was a preliminary conversation without delving into due diligence, which often halts these types of deals.”
Although initial talks about potential investment took place, Joshua was not expected to be directly involved due to his commitment to his boxing career.
The spokesperson added, “Anthony is not involved and has no plans to be involved. He is fully focused on boxing and currently has no time for new opportunities outside his sport. He is a son of Watford and wishes them all the best.”
Watford is currently owned by Italian Gino Pozzo, who became the majority shareholder after buying out Laurence Bassini in 2012.
The Hertfordshire club earned promotion to the Premier League in 2015 and enjoyed five consecutive seasons in the top flight. Although relegated in 2020, they bounced back quickly, only to be relegated again after one more season.
This season, the club finished 15th in the Championship under the management of Valerien Ismael and Tom Cleverley. Cleverley, a former Manchester United star, has been confirmed as the club’s permanent manager.
Watford aims to improve next season, with or without Joshua’s investment. The 34-year-old boxer will continue to offer his support, as he has revealed his enduring loyalty to the club.
“I grew up in Watford, and some of the Watford players used to get their hair cut at the local barbers, so I support Watford,” Joshua told Virgin Radio in 2018. “My good friend Troy Deeney plays for them as a striker, so I’ve got a lot of love for where I grew up – Watford FC. But my overall favorite team, because of one man, Cristiano Ronaldo, is Real Madrid.”
