Former world champion Anthony Joshua considers buying into Watford

Anthony Joshua, the former world heavyweight champion, could soon become a co-owner of Watford FC, a move that would mark a return to his roots – and a business move in his hometown.

The British boxer from Watford, whose fortune is estimated at more than $83 million, has been investing in London real estate for a long time, but is now seriously considering entering the ownership structure of the popular Championship club (the second English league overall), where Watford finished the season in 14th place.

In an interview with Seconds Out, Joshua confirmed that the topic of entering Watford is still open and that it could develop into a concrete business move:

– We wanted to enter the world of private equity and venture capital funds. As you earn, you naturally want to save. Instead of spending recklessly, I try to invest money in different asset classes, and this was one such opportunity.

– Nothing concrete has happened yet, but if it happens – it will be a serious investment. If (Watford) get back into the Premier League, into the elite, I'll need to open a shop on Market Street, because the traffic through the city becomes phenomenal.

Joshua stressed that he personally isn't too interested in football, but he certainly remembers scenes from the streets of his hometown when fans filled Market Street and Vicarage Road during matches.

- I'm not a big football fan, but watching the fans pour into the street was a special sight. If that doesn't happen - I still wish them luck, because they're a great team.

The club was relegated from the Premier League in 2022, and Joshua's possible investment could mean a new financial injection in an attempt to return to the elite of English football.

In the meantime, Joshua is working on his own return to the ring after a brutal knockout defeat by Daniel Dubois in September. There's currently no word on a potential match with Tyson Fury, as Fury has retired from the sport, and AJ himself has announced a long break due to surgery and preparations for a full return at the end of the year.

While he dreams of new belts, Joshua is clearly not ignoring what's happening outside the ring – and Watford could soon have a former world champion in their box.