British-Nigerian boxing superstar Anthony Joshua on Tuesday, March 10, officially relocated from the United Kingdom (UK) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The 36-year-old former heavyweight world champion, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, made the decision public through corporate filings for his £150 million business empire, including Sparta Promotions Limited and 258 Investments Limited, where he legally updated his residential status to the UAE.
Dubai has recently been affected by nightly drone strikes linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States (U.S).
Thousands of Britons in the city have sought urgent evacuation, some paying exorbitant fees for private flights to leave the area.
Despite this, Joshua’s filings indicate that he has proceeded with the move.
Known to fans as “AJ,” Joshua has previously spent significant time in Dubai for training, promotional work, and leisure.
Notable highlights include a 2017 training session on the helipad of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel and recent training sessions with MMA star Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Dubai remains a popular destination for wealthy individuals due to its tax-free income policies.
Under UK rules, Joshua would have been liable for income tax on dividends of £10.1 million in 2024 and £6.3 million in 2023.
His company Sparta Promotions also reported profits of £20.396 million in 2024, paying £6.65 million in UK tax.
Joshua has long used Dubai’s state-of-the-art sporting facilities to enhance his training while also leveraging the city for business and leisure purposes.
Sources suggest that the relocation combines lifestyle, tax considerations, and access to high-performance training environments.
The decision to shift base comes after a traumatic road accident in Nigeria last year that claimed the lives of two close friends, personal trainer Kevin ‘Latz’ Ayodele and long-time therapist Sina Ghami.
Joshua has since been focused on recovery, posting updates on his rehab process, including rib-strengthening exercises, on social media.
“This rehabilitation protocol… when you go through certain things, you realise that you are stronger than you think you are,” Joshua wrote.
Joshua joins other high-profile British figures who have relocated overseas, including Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou in Monaco, as well as Pimlico Plumbers tycoon Charlie Mullins in Marbella, Spain.
For Joshua, the move represents a combination of practical, professional, and personal motivations, situating him in a city that offers both a high standard of living and world-class facilities for continuing his athletic and business pursuits.
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