Anthony Joshua signs nine-figure deal with DAZN

British boxing icon Anthony Joshua has ended his exclusive deal with Sky Sports to sign on with sports streamer DAZN.

The 32 year-old Joshua has signed a multi-year deal with DAZN for at least two fights a year, with the deal estimated to be worth nine-figures. Joshua’s fights will likely be housed on DAZN’s PPV platform that launched in 2021. 

The first fight of the deal will be against long-time rival Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in August. The pair will reportedly share a pot of over £100 million.

The deal will also see Joshua become a shareholder in DAZN, while also becoming a brand ambassador and a special advisor. He will also have a seat on the company’s strategic board to help the business develop its global boxing offering.

Joshua said: “I’ve been working with DAZN and following its progress for a long time. We have enjoyed a really successful partnership in the US for many years and I know the team and understand the passion and drive of the business. DAZN’s vision and passion to innovate is what attracted me to the partnership. They are leading the digital landscape in sport and the future of sports broadcasting. I am really looking forward to a long and successful partnership.” 

DAZN CEO Shay Segev said: “AJ is a hugely popular and influential sportsman. His alignment with us and his investment in our business speaks volumes. This deal is his seal of approval for our vision and our direction as a business. We welcome his passion, his drive and – most significantly – the vast audiences he attracts. 

“In addition to being a world-class fighter, Joshua is an entrepreneur and businessman. He founded management business 258 MGT in 2016 and represents boxing’s greatest rising stars, including Josh Buatsi, Derek Chisora and Ben Whittaker. His partnership with DAZN is a testament to his belief in the business strategy.”