Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has confirmed he has considered investing in Watford Football Club – and there is still a chance he might.
The Olympic gold medallist, who was brought up on the Meriden Estate and went to Kings Langley School, was speaking to boxing YouTube channel Seconds Out when he was asked about stories he had shown interest in taking a share in the Hornets.
Last season, owner Gino Pozzo offered 10% of the club via a digital equity scheme but when only a quarter of the shares were taken up, the scheme was cancelled and all monies were refunded.
However, the Italian – whose family purchased the club in 2012 – has made no secret that he is looking for new investment, and suggestions he might consider selling the club totally have never been ruled out.
Around the time the digital equity scheme was launched last summer, Joshua’s name was mooted as someone who could potentially big a significant investor.
However, at that time it went no further.
Now, though, via an interview with Ayman Khan on Seconds Out, Joshua has confirmed he did look at the football club as a potential investment vehicle – and it is still something he is thinking about.
“We wanted to move into private equity, venture capital funds and so on,” said Joshua, who is estimated to have a potential worth of around £150m.
“As you earn, naturally you want to save, so rather than me spending recklessly I’m trying to invest money into certain asset classes and that was an opportunity that presented itself.
“Nothing’s come of it yet. It’s a serious investment. If it comes off it’s one that should do well.
“If we don’t do it then good luck to them anyway because they’re a great team.”
Joshua went on to joke that if Watford ever did return to the Premier League, he’d want to open a shop in the town.
“If they went back to the Premier League then I’d need to get a shop on Market Street because the traffic that would be coming through Watford would be phenomenal,” he laughed.
“I remember being on Market Street and watching the football fans.
“I’m not a massive football fan myself but watching the fans steamroll Market Street and steamroll Vicarage Road were real good scenes.”
Joshua has not fought since being beaten inside five rounds by IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September.
He revealed this week that he will have to delay his return to the ring even longer.
“I’m trying to get my body right. I’ve got to have a little surgery on my elbow, a small surgery, sometime in May,” he said.
“I’m finalising the details. It will see me out of the gym for six to eight weeks and as soon as I’ve healed I’ll be back.”
