Anthony Joshua explains why he left Sky Sports for DAZN for Oleksandr Usyk rematch

Anthony Joshua claims DAZN's "vision and passion" convinced him to ditch Sky Sports ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua, who will earn more than £100million from the move, has signed a long-term deal with the streaming service which will see his fights broadcast on the platform across the world. He will also become a global brand ambassador as well as a special advisor to, and shareholder in, DAZN Group.

Joshua, who is due to face Usyk for a second time in Saudi Arabia on August 20, said: “I am entering a new phase in my career with a new training environment, new coaches and now a new broadcaster. Negotiations at this level take time so I am pleased to have it all wrapped up and now I can fully focus on giving the fans and DAZN what they want, knockouts in the glamour division.

Anthony Joshua with Eddie Hearn (Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing)

"I've been working with DAZN and following its progress for a long time. We have enjoyed a really successful partnership in the US for many years and I know the team and understand the passion and drive of the business. DAZN's vision and passion to innovate is what attracted me to the partnership. They are leading the digital landscape in sport and the future of sports broadcasting. I am really looking forward to a long and successful partnership."

Joshua, who joins Canelo Alvarez on DAZN, had been expected to renew his deal with Sky Sports having been a fixture on the channel since he made his debut in 2013. But DAZN have convinced him to make the switch just weeks before the biggest fight of his career.

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Promoter Eddie Hearn added: "We have been successfully working in partnership with DAZN for many years now and this new announcement with Anthony Joshua emphasises why they continue to set the standard for the future of sports broadcasting. We have a shared vision with DAZN to make it the unrivalled home of boxing for fans across the world. Now with Anthony joining the team the stage is set to do even more together and we are looking forward to getting started."