Britain's World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)
By Rafael Bandayrel
UFC president Dana White is looking to establish a relationship with British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs).
For the past five years, Joshua has become one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. His upcoming unification bout against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) on Mar. 31 in Cardiff, Wales, is expected to generate a $28 million payday for Joshua.
White is trying to lure Joshua from promoter Eddie Hearn with a "multi-fight deal" which could be worth as much as $500 million, according to the Telegraph’s Gareth Davies. The UFC president is also reportedly arranging a sit-down with the boxer to elaborate the details of the contract.
Other specific details about the contract have not yet been disclosed although White has reportedly applied for a boxing license in Nevada "and plans to become heavily involved in the sport."
"It's still early. We're still working on it. I've got to get my together, but I'm getting into boxing, man," White told the Los Angeles Times. "It's coming."
Meanwhile, Joshua expressed his willingness to do business with the MMA promoter but was adamant that intends to keep Hearn.
“I’m interested because, mine and Eddie’s relationship is a really good working relationship. And I’m sure Eddie has an interest in working with Dana White,” the 28-year-old said during a conference call with reporters.