ANTHONY JOSHUA has signed a ‘career long’ deal with Eddie Hearn to continue working with Matchroom Boxing.
Joshua, 31, has been with Hearn and Matchroom since turning pro in 2013.
AJ’s bout with Oleksandr Usyk at Spurs’ stadium this Saturday is the last in his current deal.
But both sides have agreed to extend their long-term partnership for the rest of Joshua’s boxing career.
AJ said: “We’ve built some great foundations over the years and I appreciate Matchroom – the company, the team, the family business.
“That’s kind of what drew me towards you guys as well, the integrity that the Hearns have when it comes to boxing and business.
“I’ve felt comfortable during my years as a boxer and I always felt that the business outside of sport is harder than the actual fighting due to the history and some of the problems that some fighters have had.
“So, to be with Matchroom Sport has been a blessing for myself, my family and my team.
“Outside of that, what Matchroom Sport have done is created an environment for boxing fans.
“The shows that we have managed to put on have been phenomenal. When I walk out to fight, I look around and I’m like, ‘mate, this is unbelievable’.
“From where we began, to the middle of the journey, the foundations we have created are phenomenal and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
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Joshua continued: “In my humble opinion, what better place to be than Matchroom Boxing?
“I have heard that my signature was hot property. I’m happy where I am. A handshake is good enough for me, but the signature solidifies it and I’m happy where my signature is.
“Thank you to Eddie Hearn, Barry Hearn and the family, Frank Smith and all of the Matchroom staff, as well as Freddie Cunningham and the team at 258MGT.”
Hearn tweeted: “Today is a special day for Matchroom and me personally as we announce a career long exclusive promotional deal with Anthony Joshua.
“Here is to an amazing night this Saturday and many more for us all to savour!”
Hearn recently ended Matchroom Boxing’s long relationship with Sky Sports and took his stable to DAZN.
But the London 2012 gold medallist’s bout this weekend is still on Sky Box Office.
And it’s unclear at this stage what the new deal between AJ and Matchroom means in terms of TV rights.
AJ is targeting bouts with Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder in a bid to unify the heavyweight division.
Asked about retirement, Joshua said: “You’ve got 36 to 40. How many years do you go beyond that?
“Do you do the full lot to 40? That’s where Floyd Mayweather went, Alexander Povetkin, Klitschko, guys in my generation. Manny Pacquiao went a bit further.
“Forty seems like the age where they’re like, ‘OK, you’ve done a long time.’ So 36 to 40 is when I start making decisions.
“I’m 32 in October so I’ve still got some good years ahead.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
