Two-time world champion’s fights will be shown by streamer in the UK

joshua

DAZN has agreed a deal with Anthony Joshua to show the two-time heavyweight world champions boxer’s fights globally, including the UK.

This ends the 32-year-old’s deal with Sky Sports, and means he joins the other fighters in Matchroom Boxing’s stable on the streaming platform. The promoter signed a five-year deal with DAZN last year, covering all of its boxers except from Joshua. 

Reports claim that Joshua’s deal is worth £100m-a-year, with the news a boost to DAZN after missing out on acquiring BT Sport earlier this year. The platform has a broad boxing offering, including the likes of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin, and Katie Taylor.

Joshua’s first bout on DAZN was expected to be a rematch with Ukrainian heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk in August. Usyk comprehensively defeated Joshua on points in September 2021 to claim the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles, and neither have fought since. It was Joshua’s second defeat in a 26-fight career, the other being to Andy Ruiz jr in a shock loss in 2019 which he later avenged.

However, it has since been revealed that this bout was not included in the DAZN deal, with Sky Sports Box Office to now air it.

Joshua said: “I am entering a new phase in my career with a new training environment, new coaches and now a new broadcaster.

“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 US 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.”

Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn added: “We have been successfully working in partnership with DAZN for many years now and this new announcement with Anthony Joshua emphasises why they continue to set the standard for the future of sports broadcasting.

“We have a shared vision with DAZN to make it the unrivalled 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.”

DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev commented: “AJ is a hugely popular and influential sportsman. 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.”