The pair, whose partnership in boxing has delivered global success through Matchroom Sport, are aiming to replicate that dominance in football by creating an agency offering end-to-end support for players. Services will span transfers, sponsorships, lifestyle management, and long-term career planning.
“We’ve been fine-tuning the plans for months,” Hearn revealed to the Daily Mail. “AJ went and posted about it on Instagram, and everything went mental — players, clubs, sponsors, media, everyone came to us.”
While many sports agencies build gradually through youth and lower-league signings, Hearn made their intentions crystal clear: they want to start at the top.
“I’m not interested in representing a couple of lower league players,” he said. “I want to enter at the highest level.”
Joshua’s Influence Opens Doors
Joshua’s global profile — particularly in the Middle East, where he has fought high-profile bouts — is already proving to be a powerful magnet for interest. The heavyweight star has held conversations with Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, and is part of the calibre of talent they’re pursuing.
“AJ can speak to any player he wants,” Hearn explained. “One of the biggest challenges agencies face when recruiting players is simply getting in front of them. AJ can get in front of any player in the world tomorrow.”
Following Joshua’s social media announcement, the response from the football world has been swift and enthusiastic. According to Hearn, high-profile players have already reached out — some subtly.
“Ronaldo didn’t DM me, but let’s just say a few eye emojis popped up,” Hearn teased. “They weren’t saying they were signing with us tomorrow, but they were definitely showing interest. There are conversations to be had, for sure.”
Aiming to Disrupt Football the Matchroom Way
Although the agency’s official launch date has yet to be confirmed, preparations are well underway. For Hearn and Joshua, this marks their next big play — one that seeks to shake up the traditional football representation model much like they did in boxing and darts.
With a combination of star power, industry influence, and strategic ambition, the duo’s entry into football management promises to be one of the most closely watched developments in global sport.