Former champion Anthony Joshua agrees to lucrative, exclusive long-term deal with DAZN

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Anthony Joshua

One of England’s biggest draws has officially formed a long-term deal with DAZN. Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua signed an exclusive partnership with DAZN, leaving Sky Sports in the process. 

The new deal will see Joshua’s fights showcased on DAZN worldwide, with a deal reported to be around $100 million. This comes before Joshua challenges Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles. The fight will take place in Saudi Arabia on August 20.

“I am entering a new phase in my career with a new training environment, new coaches, and now a new broadcaster,” Joshua stated in a release. “Negotiations at this level take time so I am pleased to have it all wrapped up and now I can fully focus on giving the fans and DAZN what they want, knockouts in the glamour division. 

“I've been working with DAZN and following its progress for a long time. We have enjoyed a really successful partnership in the U.S. for many years and I know the team and understand the passion and drive of the business. DAZN's vision and passion to innovate is what attracted me to the partnership. They are leading the digital landscape in sport and the future of sports broadcasting. I am really looking forward to a long and successful partnership.” 

MORE: Usyk vs. Joshua 2: Date, start time, card, PPV price, tickets

The deal would be two fights a year. Joshua, 32, is 2-2 in his last four fights. It is unknown how long he will continue to box for, but the remainder of the deal will ensure he is a force outside the ring.

Joshua will become a shareholder, special advisor, and brand ambassador for DAZN. He is also set to join DAZN's strategic advisory board for its global expansion of boxing content. 

Joshua made his pro debut in 2013 under the Matchroom banner. A 2012 Olympic gold medalist, Joshua won the IBF heavyweight title in 2016, the WBA and IBO titles in 2017, and the WBO title in 2018. During this time he beat a who's who of fighters, including Dillian Whyte, Charles Martin, Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Alexander Povetkin. 

Joshua lost the titles to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 in what was considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. He regained them a few months later against Ruiz in Saudi Arabia. After beating Kubrat Pulev to retain the belts, Joshua faced Usyk in September. Joshua would lose via unanimous decision, once again making him a challenger for the titles. 

Usyk has been defending Ukraine from Russian aggression but was able to leave the country to train for a fight against Joshua. The winner of that rematch has a chance to fight for the undisputed heavyweight title, depending on who the WBC champion is. Tyson Fury retired following his win over Whyte. 

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“AJ is a hugely popular and influential sportsman,” said DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev. “His alignment with us and his investment in our business speaks volumes. This deal is his seal of approval for our vision and our direction as a business. We welcome his passion, his drive, and – most significantly – the vast audiences he attracts. 

“In addition to being a world-class fighter, Joshua is an entrepreneur and businessman. He founded management business 258 MGT in 2016 and represents boxing’s greatest rising stars, including Josh Buatsi, Derek Chisora, and Ben Whittaker. His partnership with DAZN is a testament to his belief in the business strategy."

Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn left Sky Sports last summer and has been by Joshua's side during the majority of his career. Joshua now joins fighters like Katie Taylor, Canelo Alvarez, Gennadiy Golvokin, and more who have fought exclusively for DAZN. 

“We have been successfully working in partnership with DAZN for many years now and this new announcement with Anthony Joshua emphasizes why they continue to set the standard for the future of sports broadcasting,” Hearn stated. ”We have a shared vision with DAZN to make it the unrivaled home of boxing for fans across the world. Now with Anthony joining the team the stage is set to do even more together and we are looking forward to getting started.”

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Daniel Yanofsky is a combat sports editor at The Sporting News.