Former two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has relocated to Dubai, according to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, who confirmed that the British-Nigerian boxer moved to the United Arab Emirates several months ago despite rising security concerns in parts of the Middle East.
The relocation comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East have escalated, with reports of Iranian drone attacks targeting various locations in the region. However, Adedamola stressed that Joshua’s presence in Dubai has not been constant during the period of hostilities.
Speaking with PUNCH Sports Extra, Adedamola said the boxer did not formally notify family members before relocating but noted that he had been aware of the move for some time.
“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.
“His staying there is on and off, and definitely, he won’t be there now,” he added.
Further confirmation of Joshua’s new residential status also emerged through company filings linked to his business interests. According to reports by the Daily Mail, official paperwork for two of Joshua’s companies — Sparta Promotions Limited and 258 Investments Limited — now lists the United Arab Emirates as his country of residence.
Dubai has become a popular destination for high-net-worth individuals, particularly Britons, partly because of its tax policies. Financial disclosures indicate that Joshua would have faced significant UK tax obligations on dividend payments, including £10.1 million in 2024 and £6.3 million in 2023. His company, Sparta Promotions, reportedly generated profits of £20.4 million and paid £6.65 million in UK taxes in 2024. Under UK tax rules, individuals who spend fewer than 16 days annually in the country are typically not considered tax residents.
The 36-year-old boxer, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, rose to global fame after winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics. He has frequently trained and promoted fights in Dubai, including a widely publicised sparring session in 2017 on the helipad of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.
Joshua’s relocation also follows a tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on December 29, which claimed the lives of two close associates — personal trainer Kevin Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami. The accident occurred just days after Joshua knocked out social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul in six rounds in Miami.
The former champion sustained minor injuries in the crash and has been undergoing rehabilitation. He recently shared images of rib treatment during recovery on Snapchat.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, said Joshua is not yet ready to return to full training and is targeting a comeback bout around July. The boxer has also reportedly invested £1.2 million in a 15,300-square-foot penthouse in Oman, though the property is believed to be primarily an investment rather than a permanent residence.
