Anthony Joshua tax bill: £11m paid as retirement decision looms

Anthony Joshua has paid approximately £11m in UK tax over the last year while deliberating his boxing career following a personal tragedy.

Heavyweight star faces huge tax bill

The two-time world champion appeared 100th on the recently released Sunday Times UK Tax List.

Despite fighting just once last year, a lucrative knockout victory over Jake Paul generated a colossal purse of £68.5m.

However, the earnings were significantly reduced by international fiscal obligations.

Around £25.6m was claimed by the IRS in the United States because the bout took place in Florida.

A further sum exceeding £5.5m went to the UK Treasury, significantly cutting into the Watford-born fighter’s take-home pay.

Joshua was not the only sporting figure facing a hefty contribution to the public purse.

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland also featured prominently, paying £17m in tax over the past 12 months.

Financial hits are currently secondary for the 34-year-old as he processes a devastating loss within his inner circle.

A car crash in Nigeria on 29 December claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, two of his closest friends.

The incident has cast doubt on whether the Olympic gold medallist will step back between the ropes.

In a recent video, Joshua fought back tears while addressing the loss of his "lieutenants".

I understand what they wanted to do for their families, so what my goal is, is to continue to help them achieve their goals.

It ain’t about legacy, it’s just about doing what is right and I know I am going to do what is right by them.

Before the accident, the British heavyweight had been planning a warm-up bout to prepare for a showdown with Tyson Fury.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has insisted a return remains possible, but only "when the time is right".

Any discussions regarding a future fight have been paused indefinitely.

Meanwhile, domestic rival Fury is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April.