Anthony Joshua: Heavyweight star with £200m net worth eyes huge £150m takeover of boyhood club

Anglo-Nigerian heavyweight boxing megastar Anthony Joshua is exploring the possibility of leading a £150 million takeover of his boyhood club Watford FC.

According to the Athletic report, financial experts are working for the two-time former heavyweight world champion have held preliminary talks with the Championship club about a potential deal to buy out current Italian owner Gino Pozzo.

While Joshua himself is not directly involved in initial negotiations, the 34-year-old British sporting icon was approached about spearheading investment at the club he supported growing up in Watford.

With an estimated personal net worth between £150-200 million, Joshua would have the financial muscle to front a consortium bid for the Hornets. 

Sources suggest his role could be part of a larger investment group rather than as the sole buyer initially.

The links to a Watford takeover make perfect sense for the hugely popular Joshua. He was born at Watford General Hospital right next to Vicarage Road and grew up in the surrounding area, attending school in nearby Kings Langley.

Not only is Joshua a hometown hero with the club running through his veins, but his global commercial power could be transformative for Watford's ambitions. 

As one of the world's most recognisable athletes with a 28 million social media following, Joshua's involvement would bring unprecedented marketing might.

The Olympic gold medallist has lucrative endorsement deals with the likes of Under Armour, Hugo Boss, Land Rover and many more major brands lining up to work with him. 

That commercial pulling power could help fund a new era of success on the pitch for the Championship club.

Watford have been seeking outside investment for some time under the Pozzo family ownership. Joshua's camp entering discussions represents the most high-profile interest in a potential takeover at Vicarage Road to date.

While talks may only be at an entry level currently, if Joshua does complete a dream acquisition of his beloved Watford, it would mark one of the biggest names in British sporting history taking over an English club. A heavyweight game-changer if it comes to fruition.