Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has relocated to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, according to confirmation from a family member.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, disclosed that the British-Nigerian boxing star moved to the Gulf city several months ago, even as the region faces heightened tensions due to the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iranian drone attacks.
“He has already moved to Dubai. He doesn’t need to inform us before making such a move, but I know he relocated a while ago, talking of months back now,” Adedamola told SOCIETYGIST Sports Extra.
Addressing safety concerns linked to the conflict, he clarified that Joshua’s stay in Dubai is not permanent, noting that the boxer moves between locations.
“His staying there is on and off, and definitely, he won’t be there now,” he added.
Reports of Joshua’s relocation were also reflected in recent company filings tied to his business empire, valued at around £150 million. According to documents cited by the Daily Mail, 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 become a preferred base for high-net-worth individuals from the United Kingdom, largely due to its tax advantages, including the absence of personal income tax.
Financial disclosures show that Joshua’s company, Sparta Promotions, recorded profits of £20.4 million in 2024 and paid £6.65 million in UK taxes. The boxer also reportedly earned dividend payments of £10.1 million in 2024 and £6.3 million in 2023. Under UK tax regulations, individuals who spend fewer than 16 days annually in the country are not considered tax residents.
The 36-year-old fighter, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, rose to global prominence after winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Over the years, he has frequently travelled to Dubai for training and promotional appearances.
One of his most notable visits occurred in 2017 when he sparred on the helipad of the iconic Burj Al Arab, roughly 700 feet above the sea.
Joshua’s relocation also follows a tragic incident in Nigeria late last year. On December 29, a fatal accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claimed the lives of his close associates — personal trainer Kevin Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami — just 10 days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in six rounds in Miami.
The boxer reportedly sustained minor injuries in the crash and has been undergoing rehabilitation, recently sharing images of rib treatment on Snapchat.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently revealed that Joshua is not yet physically ready to return to a full training camp but is aiming for a comeback fight in July.
In addition to his Dubai move, Joshua recently invested £1.2 million in a 15,300-square-foot penthouse in Oman, although sources say the property is intended as an investment rather than a primary residence.