Anthony Joshua has committed his peak years to Matchroom by signing a three-year contract extension with the promoter.
The WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion has become perhaps the world’s highest-profile fighter since making his professional debut with them in 2013 and next fights Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium on September 22.
There had long been an expectation within boxing circles that Joshua would eventually sign for an American promoter – traditionally the most lucrative and influential – but his agreement with Matchroom is a further demonstration of British boxing’s growing power.
Matchroom have received significant investment to continue expanding into the US market with DAZN, while Joshua’s appeal – the fight with Russia’s Povetkin will be his fourth in succession at a stadium – means he has little incentive to fight elsewhere.
“They’ve worked very hard to give me a platform to showcase my skills and tell my story,” the 28-year-old said.
“So choosing to renew our deal was always a matter of when not if.
“We have created history together and we are dedicated to keeping the UK scene in high demand for all boxers and boxing fans, but for me personally, the journey is nowhere near finished yet.
“When I decided to become a professional boxer I felt the boxing market was stagnant and in need of new energy, both Matchroom and Sky have backed me and have given me opportunity after opportunity and I will always deliver.”
Though expected, Joshua’s ongoing commitment to Matchroom and Sky Sports will likely prove problematic when the time comes to negotiate terms for a domestic fight with Tyson Fury, who is signed to Frank Warren and BT Sport.
It is hoped that a fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder will follow for Joshua in 2019, and that his most significant match-ups – undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine has become a further target – will follow in the coming years.
“I am delighted to extend our promotional agreement with Anthony and also extend his relationship with Sky Sports,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn.
