Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has reportedly relocated to Dubai, according to confirmation from his uncle, Adedamola Joshua.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH Sports Extra, Adedamola revealed that the British-Nigerian boxing star moved to the UAE city several months ago. He noted that Joshua did not need to formally inform family members before making such a decision but confirmed that the move had already taken place.
“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.
However, the uncle added that Joshua’s stay in Dubai is not permanent during the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerns about attacks involving Iranian suicide drones.
“His staying there is on and off, and definitely, he won’t be there now,” he added.
Reports also indicate that company filings connected to the boxer’s business empire reflect the change in his residential status. According to the Daily Mail, documents for 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 Britons partly because it does not impose income tax. Under UK tax rules, individuals who spend fewer than 16 days in the country are not classified as tax residents.
The 36-year-old boxer, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, rose to global prominence after winning a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Over the years, he has frequently visited Dubai for training and promotional activities.
One of his most notable moments in the city occurred in 2017 when he sparred on the helipad of the iconic Burj Al Arab, hundreds of feet above the sea.
The relocation also comes months after a tragic road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close associates, his personal trainer Kevin Ayodele and long-time recovery therapist Sina Ghami.
Joshua himself sustained minor injuries in the crash and has been undergoing rehabilitation, recently sharing images of rib treatment on Snapchat.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said the boxer is not yet ready to return to full training camp but is targeting a comeback to the ring around July.