Anthony Joshua signs a career-long promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing ahead of facing Oleksandr Usyk this weekend… with ‘blessed’ heavyweight star hailing the company’s ‘integrity’
- Anthony Joshua had turned professional with Matchroom Boxing back in 2013
- Now a heavyweight titan, Joshua has signed a career-long deal with Matchroom
- The partnership was announced before Joshua faces Oleksandr Usyk in London
- Joshua praised the work of Matchroom and hailed the ‘integrity’ of the Hearns
Anthony Joshua has signed a career-long promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, it has been revealed.
Heavyweight titan Joshua, 31, has been part of Matchroom’s stable since turning professional in 2013, but his bout with Oleksandr Usyk this weekend was set to be the last in their current deal.
However, both parties have now agreed to extend their lengthy partnership, with Joshua even pledging the rest of his career in the ring to the renowned company.
Anthony Joshua has signed a career-long promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom
Joshua, the holder of the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO titles will put his belts on the line against Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
He has enjoyed a star-studded career in the sport, which can be traced back to when he won gold at the 2012 Olympics in London and started working with Matchroom.
‘We’ve built some great foundations over the years and I appreciate Matchroom – the company, the team, the family business,’ Joshua said on the new deal.
Heavyweight Joshua has been part of Matchroom’s stable since turning professional in 2013
‘That’s kind of what drew me towards you guys as well, the integrity that the Hearns have when it comes to boxing and business.
‘I’ve felt comfortable during my years as a boxer and I always felt that the business outside of sport is harder than the actual fighting due to the history and some of the problems that some fighters have had.
‘So, to be with Matchroom Sport has been a blessing for myself, my family and my team.
‘Outside of that, what Matchroom Sport have done is created an environment for boxing fans. The shows that we have managed to put on have been phenomenal. When I walk out to fight, I look around and I’m like, “mate, this is unbelievable”.
Hearn (left) and his company have been hailed by Joshua (right) for their ‘phenomenal’ shows
‘From where we began, to the middle of the journey, the foundations we have created are phenomenal and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. In my humble opinion, what better place to be than Matchroom Boxing?’
He went on to add: ‘I have heard that my signature was hot property. I’m happy where I am. A handshake is good enough for me, but the signature solidifies it and I’m happy where my signature is.
‘Thank you to Eddie Hearn, Barry Hearn and the family, Frank Smith and all of the Matchroom staff, as well as Freddie Cunningham and the team at 258MGT.’
Hearn brought an end to Matchroom Boxing’s connection with Sky Sports to move his business over to DAZN instead.
Widely renowned promoter Hearn ended Matchroom’s partnership with Sky Sports this year
Despite this, Joshua’s bout against Usyk will still be screened on Sky Box Office.
At this stage, it is not clear how the career-long deal Joshua has signed with Matchroom will affect the TV rights for his fights.
Hearn, the Matchroom Sport chairman, said: ‘When AJ and I met in the Matchroom HQ eight years ago, we had a vision and a dream that we shared together.
‘There is something quite special about sharing a journey together from the professional debut to the day the gloves are hung up, but it takes a huge amount of belief and an unwavering loyalty.
Hearn and Joshua are pictured celebrating after AJ beat Andy Ruiz Jr at ‘Clash on the Dunes’
‘Over those eight years, AJ has been the face of British boxing, inspiring a new generation and audience to the sport we love.
‘This is the fourth and final promotional agreement we have signed together, and I am honoured that AJ has confirmed his future with Matchroom.
‘Just like we did from the debut, myself and the great team at Matchroom will continue to work relentlessly for Anthony in the many chapters that remain.’