Anthony Joshua relocates to Dubai, family confirms

Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has relocated to Dubai, according to confirmation from his uncle, Adedamola Joshua.

Speaking in an interview, Adedamola revealed that the British-Nigerian boxing star made the move several months ago, even as Dubai remains under heightened security due to tensions in the Middle East.

“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.

Responding to concerns about the security situation in the region, Joshua’s uncle explained that the boxer’s stay in Dubai is not permanent during the ongoing hostilities.

“His staying there is on and off, and definitely, he won’t be there now,” he added.

The development comes after a change in Joshua’s residential status appeared in company filings linked to his £150 million business empire.

According to reports, documents submitted 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 British citizens partly because the emirate does not impose income tax.

Reports indicate that Joshua would have been liable to pay UK taxes on dividend payments of £10.1 million in 2024 and £6.3 million in 2023, while his company Sparta Promotions reportedly made profits of £20.4 million and paid £6.65 million in UK tax in 2024.

Under UK tax regulations, individuals who spend fewer than 16 days in the country annually are not classified as tax residents.

Joshua, 36, was born in Watford and is of Nigerian heritage through both parents. He rose to global fame after winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The boxing star has frequently visited Dubai in the past for training and promotional activities, including a widely publicised sparring session on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab hotel in 2017.

His relocation also comes months after a tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on December 29, which claimed the lives of two of his close associates — personal trainer Kevin Ayodele and long-time recovery therapist Sina Ghami.

The accident occurred just ten days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in six rounds during a bout held in Miami.

Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries in the crash and has since been undergoing rehabilitation, recently sharing images of rib treatment on social media.

His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has indicated that the former champion is not yet ready to return to full training camp but is targeting a return to the ring around July.

Joshua has also reportedly invested about £1.2 million in a 15,300-square-foot penthouse property in Oman, although the property is believed to be an investment rather than his permanent residence.