Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has reportedly moved to Dubai, according to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH Sports Extra, Adedamola confirmed that the British-Nigerian boxer relocated to the United Arab Emirates months ago.
“He has already moved to Dubai. He doesn’t need to inform us before making such a move, but I know he has moved a while ago, talking of months back now,” he said.
When asked about safety concerns due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, his uncle explained that Joshua’s stay in Dubai is not permanent at the moment.
“His staying there is on and off, and definitely, he won’t be there now,” he added.
Reports also indicate that Joshua’s change of residence appeared in company filings related to his business empire, estimated to be worth about £150 million. Documents for two of his companies, Sparta Promotions Limited and 258 Investments Limited, now list the United Arab Emirates as his country of residence.
Dubai has become a popular destination for wealthy individuals from the United Kingdom, partly because the city does not impose income tax. Under UK tax rules, people who spend fewer than 16 days in the country within a certain period may not be considered tax residents.
Anthony Joshua, who was born in Watford and has Nigerian heritage, won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and has frequently visited Dubai for training and promotional activities.
The move also comes months after a tragic road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, which claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close associates—his personal trainer, Kevin Ayodele, and long-time recovery therapist, Sina Ghami. The accident occurred just 10 days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in six rounds in Miami.
Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries in the crash and has been undergoing rehabilitation. He recently shared images of rib treatment on Snapchat.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said the boxer is not yet ready to return to full training and is targeting a return to the ring in July. Joshua has also invested about £1.2 million in a large penthouse property in Oman, which is believed to be an investment rather than his permanent residence.
