http://espn.go.com/blog/dan-rafael/...matchroom-boxing-extend-promotional-agreement 　 　 Englands Anthony Joshua, the 2012 super heavyweight Olympic gold medalist and one of boxings elite prospects, signed three-year contract extension with promoter Matchroom Boxing on Tuesday. Joshua has been with Matchroom Boxing since his pro debut and the new agreement comes just a few weeks before he is due for his most notable fight yet, a British and Commonwealth title bout against Dillian Whyte on Dec. 12 at the O2 Arena in London. "I have been part of the Matchroom family for a number of years now and I am really excited that the relationship will be continuing," Joshua said. "They have an exceptional and passionate team from (promoter) Eddie (Hearn) downwards. Matchroom have provided me with the perfect platform to get my professional career started and there was never a question that they were the guys, with Sky Sports, to help move me to the next level and ultimately to a shot at the Heavyweight World Championship." Joshua (14-0, 14 KOs), 26, has steamrolled through his professional opponents. He has not been past three rounds. He will defend his Commonwealth belt and vying for the vacant British title against the 27-year-old Whyte (16-0, 13 KOs). "It's an absolute honor to announce a new three-year exclusive promotional deal with Anthony Joshua," Hearn said. "The first two years have been a great experience and I feel the journey has been faultless both in and out of the ring. Anthony's profile has continued to grow and he has boxed in virtually every major city in the U.K. But more importantly those experiences coupled with tremendous dedication in the gym has seen him develop immensely as a fighter. "Anthony has already become one of the hottest commodities in world sport and we are blessed with the responsibility of helping to guide Anthony Joshua to the world heavyweight title and ultimately unifying the division."
Odd timing by AJ why didn't he wait until after the Dillian Whyte fight ? He had 7 months left on his existing contract so plenty of time to negotiate a deal and surely the longer he waited the better the deal would of become. This looks like AJs back up plan if he loses on the 12th December.
Funny, I was thinking the same thing. Looks like he blinked early. If he is 100% that he beats Whyte then there is no way he would sign 7 months before the end of his contract. Eddie needs him and so do Sky, if he went to PBC it would be really bad for Matchroom. He had them over a barrel. This can only mean that he is hedging his bets and taking an offer whilst it is still on the table. Either that or he tried to go to US on his at and was refused as a result of his conviction for drug dealing. Either way doesn't look particularly good for AJ.
Obviously he's gonna sign an extension when he can headline shows vs weak opposition on PPV and get a **** load of cash.
