…AJ has already made a decision on the approach
ANTHONY JOSHUA has been approached about investing in Watford, according to reports.
The Athletic have reported that the British boxer’s financial experts have been in discussions over investment in the former Premier League club.
Championship outfit Watford are said to have held discussions with Joshua’s financial experts
Watford, who finished 15th in the Championship last season, are said to be looking for investors as they try and return to England’s top flight.
The Hornets have failed twice to bounce back up to the Premier League since their relegation in 2022.
And it appears that the club are hoping to find minority investors to help them kick on.
Anthony Joshua, 34, has a close connection with the town of Watford and was born in a hospital next door to Vicarage Road stadium.
The fighter is said to have not been directly involved in any negotiations himself and rather has left the conversations to his financial advisers.
The report suggests that all talks that have taken place are “entry level” and the level of investment is undisclosed.
However, Watford are believed to value the club in its entirety at a figure in the region of £150million and £200m.
The enticing offer seems unlikely to be accepted though as a spokesperson from AJ’s camp ensured that the former heavyweight champ is fully focused on fighting for the time being.
How AJ punched his way to the top
ANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.
From humble origins in Watford to Olympic hero, the boxer has made a heavyweight impact in and out of the ring. Eddie Hearn claims a collision with rival Tyson Fury could be worth a whopping £200million.The pair’s bitter feud saw them refuse to say a word to each other as they met Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua has already hinted at when he will hang up his gloves. And he revealed why his son will NEVER be allowed to box. Despite amassing a £215m empire thanks to the sweet science, AJ enjoys a lavish lifestyle including private jets and a £350k watch.
His career and sponsorship deals have seen him swap his council estate upbringing for a luxury car collection.
London hairdresser Kika Osunde is believed to have swept the KO king off his feet. But Joshua still lives with his mum Yeta when he is not on the road.
The spokesperson claimed that Joshua “is not involved and has no plan to be involved”, when speaking to The Athletic.
They continued: “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.”
It has also been reported that sources close to investment discussions believe the approach could be as part of a consortium.
Consortium ownerships have become popular in English football over recent years with Hollywood actor Michael B Jordan joining Bournemouth as a minority owner as part of a consortium in 2022.
NFL legend Tom Brady also joined the English game as co-owner of Birmingham City as part of a consortium takeover last year.
Watford are no stranger to celebrity owners with the club previously owned by music legend Elton John.
AJ would certainly have the funds to invest if he wanted to with the superstar reportedly worth north of £150m and pocketing £41m in 2023 alone.
The Sun (UK)
