Anthony Joshua ditches UK for Dubai as star moves | Boxing News

Anthony Joshua has made the shock choice to go away the United Kingdom and relocate to Dubai, despite the continued US-Iran battle affecting the United Arab Emirates. 36-year-old Joshua has confirmed his intention to grow to be a resident of the UAE, even as the desert metropolis faces assaults from Iranian drones.

The ex-heavyweight world champion, born in Watford of Nigerian descent, represented Great Britain and clinched gold at the 2012 London Olympics. However, he’s now departing his homeland, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Joshua’s sudden transfer was disclosed in the paperwork he submitted on Friday for his £150m business empire, where he’s required to declare his nation of residence. The paperwork reveal that Joshua proceeded with his choice to change his residential standing amidst the conflict assault involving the USA, Israel, and Iran.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports activities news and a lot more on our Facebook web page

Over the past 10 days, the UAE has been focused by Iran with missiles and drones, prompting over 100,000 Britons to strive and evacuate the Middle Eastern nation and return to the UK. While the climate and facilities are a major attraction for those wishing to reside in Dubai, the town is favoured by the prosperous due to its lack of income tax.

Joshua would have been subject to UK tax on his dividend fee of £10.1m in 2024 and £6.3m in 2023. His firm Sparta Promotions also posted income of £20.396m and paid £6.65m in UK tax in 2024. Joshua’s choice coincides with the same week Rio Ferdinand and Kate Ferdinand revealed what it is like to reside in Dubai amid the US-Iran battle.

“Been a different week for me, not going to lie,” former Manchester United defender Ferdinand acknowledged last Monday. “Firstly, I’m in great condition this morning as the whole family did a workout. A bit like in Covid, the whole family is doing things we wouldn’t usually be doing together. Home-schooling a bit today.

“It’s horrifying when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets – I do not know what it’s – going above us, and you are listening to big bombs, and what that is we do not know as we do not know the main points of what they’re. It’s telling your youngsters what it’s and serving to them navigate through this second, which is important particularly as the dad of the home. You need to strive and stay calm and keep all people as calm as attainable.

“I’ve got to be honest guys, it’s been a bit of a scary situation but at the same time weirdly enough I’ve felt very secure and looked after. My studio has become my bunker. We were advised to go into the basement on the first night of all the noise started and we were down here sleeping with duvets and stuff. We are utilising the space wisely.”

Kate reassured followers of their security amid issues following the initial set of missile strikes in Dubai. She acknowledged on Instagram: “Thank you for all of your messages and sorry for the silence, I haven’t wanted to worry you all I just haven’t been able to find the words. We are safe.

“The authorities are doing an wonderful job of preserving it that means and despite my nerves I really feel we’re in very secure fingers. We are hoping for a calmer night tonight, last night time was very scary. Although Cree and Shae beloved it as they could not imagine we all obtained a sleepover in the basement.

“Thank you for all of your prayers, this whole experience is very eye-opening and I am praying for anyone affected. Lots of love to everyone.”

Joshua is set to be part of a prolonged record of celebrities to relocate to Dubai, with former boxer Amir Khan and Hollywood star Lindsey Lohan amongst the others to settle in Dubai.