Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has reportedly relocated to Dubai, with a member of his family confirming that the move took place several months ago.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, disclosed the development during an interview with Punch, explaining that the British-Nigerian boxing star had quietly shifted his base earlier without public announcement.
“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 family member clarified that the boxer is not permanently stationed in the city, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East that have raised security concerns in the region.
“His staying there is on and off, and definitely, he won’t be there now,” Adedamola added.
Corporate records connected to Joshua’s business ventures also reflect the relocation. Documents cited by the Daily Mail indicate that two of his companies — Sparta Promotions Limited and 258 Investments Limited — now list the United Arab Emirates as his country of residence.
Dubai has increasingly attracted wealthy British residents due to its favourable tax environment, including the absence of personal income tax. Under United Kingdom tax regulations, individuals who spend fewer than 16 days annually in the country are generally not regarded as tax residents.
Financial filings show that Joshua would have faced significant tax liabilities in the UK on dividends of £10.1 million in 2024 and £6.3 million in 2023. His company, Sparta Promotions, also recorded profits of £20.4 million and paid £6.65 million in UK taxes in 2024.
The 36-year-old boxer, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, rose to international fame after winning a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Joshua has long maintained close ties with Dubai, frequently visiting the city for training sessions and promotional events. One of his most notable appearances occurred in 2017 when he sparred on the helipad of the iconic Burj Al Arab, hundreds of feet above the sea.
TRUETELLS Nigeria reports that the boxer’s relocation also follows a personal tragedy in December 2025. On December 29, two members of his inner circle — personal trainer Kevin Ayodele and long-time recovery therapist Sina Ghami — died in a road accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The crash occurred just 10 days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in a six-round bout in Miami.
Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries in the accident and has been undergoing rehabilitation. He recently shared images of rib treatment on Snapchat, indicating his recovery process.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealed that the former champion is not yet ready to begin a full training camp but is targeting a return to the ring in July.
Beyond boxing, Joshua has also expanded his property investments, recently purchasing a £1.2 million, 15,300-square-foot penthouse in Oman, which sources say is intended as an investment rather than a primary residence.
