Joshua Set To Sign With Matchroom
London 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua is set to turn professional this week by signing with Barry Hearn’s Matchroom, according to media reports, in what could be a blow to the new plans by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) to allow professional fighters to compete at Rio 2016.
The 23-year-old, who is number one in the AIBA rankings, was one of the main targets of AIBA Pro Boxing – the competition that will allow fighters to box professionally in the tournament but also retain their Olympic eligibility.
However, Joshua – who was also wanted by Golden Boy Promotions – is expected to sign a four-year deal with Matchroom Boxing, which is now run by Eddie Hearn, Barry’s son, with the Watford boxer’s fights expected to be broadcast live in Britain on Sky Sports.
Joshua had been forced to delay a decision over his future because he required surgery to repair ankle damage shortly after the Olympics, and is the fourth to move to the paid ranks from the successful London 2012 GB squad.
Anthony Ogogo, the London 2012 middleweight bronze medallist, joined Golden Boy Promotions and has won his first two fights.
Hearn spoke about the future of boxing earlier this year at the Nolan Partners Sport Industry Breakfast Club. Check out the highlights of the exclusive networking event at Sport Industry TV.
