Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has relocated to Dubai, with a member of his family confirming that the move was made several months ago.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, disclosed the development in an interview with Punch, saying the British-Nigerian boxer had quietly changed his base months earlier.
“He has already moved to Dubai. He doesn’t need to inform us before making such a move, but I know he has moved a while ago, talking of months back now,” he said.
The revelation comes despite the city being caught up in security concerns linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, including reported attacks involving Iranian suicide drones.
Adedamola insisted the boxer is not permanently based in the emirate during the current hostilities.
“His staying there is on and off, and definitely, he won’t be there now,” he said.
Details of Joshua’s relocation also surfaced in corporate filings tied to his business interests. According to documents cited by the Daily Mail, two of the boxer’s companies, Sparta Promotions Limited and 258 Investments Limited, now list the United Arab Emirates as his country of residence.
Dubai has become a preferred destination for wealthy Britons, largely because it does not impose income tax. Under UK tax rules, individuals who spend fewer than 16 days in the country are not considered tax residents.
Financial records show Joshua would have been liable for UK tax on dividend payments of £10.1m in 2024 and £6.3m in 2023. His company Sparta Promotions also posted profits of £20.4m and paid £6.65m in UK tax in 2024.
The 36-year-old boxer, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, first rose to global prominence after winning gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Joshua has long been a regular visitor to Dubai for training and promotional appearances. One of his most memorable outings came in 2017 when he sparred on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab, roughly 700 feet above the sea.
Joshua’s move also follows a tragic incident in December 2025. On December 29, two members of his inner circle, personal trainer Kevin Ayodele and long-time recovery therapist Sina Ghami, died in a road crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The accident occurred just 10 days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in six rounds in Miami.
Joshua suffered minor injuries in the crash and has since been undergoing rehabilitation. He recently shared images of rib treatment on Snapchat.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, said the former champion is not yet ready to return to a full training camp but is targeting a comeback fight in July.
Joshua has also expanded his property portfolio, recently investing £1.2m in a 15,300-square-foot penthouse in Oman. The property is believed to be an investment rather than a permanent home.