Heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has agreed to a long-term "career long" deal with promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.
The promotion confirmed the new deal with the current IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion via an official press release. Joshua said the following about extending his partnership with Hearn and the company that has been with him since the start of his professional career in October 2013.
“We’ve built some great foundations over the years and I appreciate Matchroom – the company, the team, the family business,” said Joshua. “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’. 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? 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.”
From first to the last signature --
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) September 21, 2021
It’s a legacy, @MatchroomBoxing. pic.twitter.com/fM2G6jfPI4
The 2012 Olympic gold medalist is currently 24-1 as a pro and returns to the ring this Saturday night when he takes on fellow 2012 Olympic gold medalist and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. Hearn said the following during the official press conference announcing Joshua's signing about having the British boxing superstar finish his career out under his promotion.
"It's been an incredible eight years," Hearn said. "When we first turned up with a pair of dodgy waistcoats on, looking like snooker players at the Liberty Square Hotel to announce you turning professional. Been through everything, British, Commonwealth, world championships, stadium fights, international fights. It's been an incredible journey, and on behalf of myself and the team, thank you for your loyalty."
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