Even legends eventually hang up their gloves, and for Anthony Joshua, that day may be on the horizon.
As he recovers from surgery and prepares for a possible return to the ring, the former heavyweight champ is already setting his sights on a new goal — and it’s got nothing to do with punches or belts.
Instead, he’s eyeing the world of football, not as a player, but as a power player behind the scenes.
Joshua Teases Career Shift into Football Agency
In a recent social media post, Joshua dropped a major hint that he might be teaming up with long-time boxing promoter Eddie Hearn to dive into the football agency world.
The idea? Use their combined sports savvy to manage players — maybe even the one who helps England win the World Cup someday.
Joshua praised Hearn’s family for their domination across multiple sports — from darts and snooker to golf and boxing — and suggested the two could build something big in football management.
“Call me tomorrow mate,” Joshua wrote in a playful but pointed message.
Not Just a Random Idea — It’s Been Brewing for Years
While it might seem out of left field, this isn’t the first time the duo has flirted with the idea of getting into football agency.
Back in 2020, Hearn told British GQ that he and Joshua had been discussing the venture seriously.
“He said to me, ‘You know how to represent athletes, you’ve built careers, you’ve built brands.
I’ve got the name, I know the players — let’s do it.’”
Hearn admitted at the time that nothing was official, but they were actively looking into it.
And now, it seems like the conversation has picked back up — this time with a bit more intent.
Joshua’s Time in the Ring Could Be Winding Down
It’s not hard to see why Joshua is thinking about life after boxing.
He hasn’t fought since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September, and in May he underwent elbow surgery.
Although he’s aiming to return to the ring later this year, at 35, he knows he’s nearing the end of his boxing chapter.
That looming retirement is making the possibility of a second act — one that still keeps him connected to elite athletes and high-stakes competition — even more appealing.
Hearn’s Roots in Football Run Deep
While most know Eddie Hearn as the face of Matchroom Boxing, his experience in football isn’t as far removed as some might think.
His father, Barry Hearn, was chairman of Leyton Orient Football Club for nearly two decades.
That gives the younger Hearn a solid base in the sport — and likely the connections to make things happen quickly if he and Joshua decide to jump in.
Lennox Lewis Questions Joshua’s Motivation to Fight
Meanwhile, not everyone is convinced that Joshua is still laser-focused on boxing.
Lennox Lewis recently told Mail Sport that Joshua’s absence from the high-profile Usyk vs. Dubois fight was telling.
“He should show up if he still wants to fight,” Lewis said, implying that Joshua might already have one foot out the door.
A Post-Boxing Pivot That Makes Sense
Whether or not he returns to the ring in peak form, Joshua’s reputation, global brand, and sports IQ are undeniable.
A move into the football agency world — especially with a savvy operator like Eddie Hearn by his side — could be a natural next step.
And if they really do help manage the player who wins England a World Cup? That might just be the kind of legacy Joshua is looking to build next.