Anthony Joshua has faced a significant financial hit, with a substantial portion of his earnings going to tax authorities, as he contemplates his future in boxing following a devastating personal tragedy. The former heavyweight champion saw nearly half of his £68.5 million purse from his December fight against Jake Paul in Florida swallowed up by tax payments.
Tax Burden on Joshua's Earnings
In the United States, Joshua was liable for approximately £25.6 million in income tax to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), despite Florida having no state income tax, due to the fight taking place on American soil. Additionally, he paid an estimated £5.5 million to the UK taxman. Over the last 12 months, his total UK tax contributions amounted to around £11 million, placing him 100th on the recently released Sunday Times UK Tax List.
Impact of Endorsements and Ranking
Joshua, who benefits from various lucrative endorsement deals, has consistently contributed to the public purse. His tax payments highlight the financial realities for top athletes, with Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah also featuring on the Tax List, having paid £17 million and £14.5 million respectively over the same period.
Personal Tragedy and Retirement Considerations
The financial news comes amid a deeply emotional time for Joshua, who is grappling with the loss of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, in a car crash in Nigeria on December 29. In his first public video since the incident, Joshua fought back tears, referring to them as his "brothers" and "lieutenants," and vowed to honor their memories by doing what is right for their families.
Uncertain Future in Boxing
Prior to the crash, Joshua had been planning a warm-up fight ahead of a potential showdown with British rival Tyson Fury. However, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has indicated that any comeback will only happen "when the time is right," with no immediate discussions planned. It remains unclear whether Joshua will return to the ring to boost his earnings, as he focuses on personal healing and supporting the families of his deceased friends.
The combination of financial pressures and personal loss has cast a shadow over Joshua's career, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his next moves in and out of the boxing world.
