An investment group working with Anthony Joshua have been in talks about putting money into Championship side Watford.
Joshua, a former world heavyweight champion boxer, is a boyhood fan of the Hornets. And it has now been confirmed that an investment business that he has ties to opened talks about investing into the club.
A spokesperson for Joshua said to 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 deal.”
While initial talks took place regarding potential investment, Joshua was not set to be involved in any capacity to focus on his boxing career. The spokesperson added: “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.”
Watford are currently owned by Italian Gino Pozzo. He has been a majority shareholder since buying out Laurence Bassini in 2012.
The Hertfordshire outfit earned promotion back to the Premier League in 2015 and enjoyed five consecutive campaigns in the top-flight. Watford were relegated in 2020 but bounced straight back, their Premier League stay lasting just a further campaign.
The club finished 15th in the Championship this season as Valerien Ismael and Tom Cleverley managed the side. The former Manchester United star has been confirmed as the club’s manager on a permanent basis.
They will be aiming to improve, with or without Joshua’s investment next term. The 34-year-old will still be offering his support though, having revealed he is a fan of the club.
Tom Cleverley
Tom Cleverley is currently the manager of Watford.
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“I grew up in Watford and a couple of the Watford players used to get their hair cut in 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 favourite, because of the one man, Cristiano Ronaldo, I’m going to roll with Real Madrid.”
As it stands, Joshua does not have another fight in the calendar. He beat Francis Ngannou in his last bout back in March with a second-round knockout.
