Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has revealed ambitions to establish himself in the football representation industry alongside boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
The 35-year-old boxer used Instagram on Thursday to propose a partnership that could potentially represent the footballer who leads England to World Cup glory.
"[Eddie Hearn] the family has conquered darts, snooker, pool, boxing, fishing, golf, owning a football club & you've had a presence in basketball, netball & gymnastics," Joshua wrote on the social media platform.
"I believe 'we' could look at the football agency industry and have a strong presence. Imagine we help manage the player who helped England win the World Cup. Call me tomorrow mate."
Boxing news: Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has revealed ambitions to establish himself in the football representation industry alongside promoter Eddie Hearn
|PA
The boxer has been absent from the ring following his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last September. Joshua underwent surgery on his elbow in May and aims to return to competition before the year ends.
At 35 years old, the two-time world champion recognises his boxing career is approaching its conclusion. His social media announcement signals preparation for life beyond the sport.
Back In 2020, Hearn revealed to British GQ that the pair had already explored entering the football representation sector.
"Me and AJ are talking about doing it," Hearn stated at the time.
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"We've looked at it for a while and he mentioned it to me the other day and he said: 'You know how to represent athletes, you can use my brand and my name, I know a lot of the players, we go out. You know how to build a career on the pitch and off the pitch commercially, so what do you think?'"
Hearn acknowledged then that whilst the venture "may not happen," they were actively considering the possibility.
The Hearn family has established an extensive presence across multiple sporting disciplines. Barry Hearn served as Leyton Orient's chairman for nearly two decades from 1995 to 2014, providing Eddie with direct football industry experience.
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Joshua's Instagram message acknowledged the family's achievements across numerous sports, from traditional pursuits like snooker and darts to their involvement in basketball, netball and gymnastics.
The boxer specifically highlighted their ownership of a football club as evidence of their sporting credentials.
Should the partnership materialise, it would mark Joshua's first significant business venture outside boxing.
The timing coincides with increasing speculation about his competitive future, particularly given his extended absence from major boxing events.
Speaking earlier this summer, meanwhile, Hearn suggested that Joshua could quit boxing next year.
“Probably 2026 will be his last year in the sport,” said the promoter.
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| REUTERS“You never know, but thinking about it, it’s probably three fights away. If I’m advising AJ I’m thinking, ‘We’re back this year, two Tyson Fury fights, what else is there to do?’.
“He maybe could fight a Daniel Dubois but I think, for me, once AJ fights a Tyson Fury, he’s kind of done it all. I’d love him to have another crack at Dubois, I’d love him to have another crack at [Oleksandr] Usyk.
“If we get to 2026 and he’s firing on all cylinders then 2026 won’t be his last year. But for me, something feels right about beating Tyson Fury twice and then sailing off into the sunset.”