Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is seriously considering stepping away from boxing following a fatal car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, revealed that the 36-year-old boxer privately informed his family of the decision in the aftermath of the tragedy. According to him, the choice brings mixed emotions but also relief to the family, who have long endured the emotional strain that comes with watching Joshua compete at the highest level.
He explained that every fight took a heavy toll on the family, describing the fear and anxiety they felt whenever Joshua stepped into the ring. Now that Joshua has spoken about leaving the sport at its peak, the family says they are at peace with his decision.
The boxer narrowly escaped death in the crash, which occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, when the Lexus SUV conveying him and members of his team collided with a stationary truck. While Joshua sustained only minor injuries, his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, died at the scene.
In the days following the incident, Joshua pledged lifelong support to the families of the two men, who had been part of his inner circle throughout his career. He later shared an emotional post on social media, describing them as brothers and reaffirming his commitment to their loved ones.
Sources close to the boxer say Ghami and Ayodele were more than staff members, noting that Joshua has kept the same tight-knit team around him for most of his career. Their deaths, they say, have deeply affected him and forced him to reassess his future in the sport.
The pair had travelled with Joshua to Nigeria for a family visit when the accident happened. Joshua was rescued from the wreckage and taken to hospital, where he was treated and discharged.
An emotional funeral service was later held in London, attended by Joshua and members of the boxing community, as family and friends gathered to pay their final respects.
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Meanwhile, local residents in Sagamu expressed gratitude that Joshua survived the crash, while mourning the loss of the two men. Many described the boxer as a source of pride and encouraged him not to lose touch with his roots despite the trauma.
In a related development, Ogun State Police confirmed that the driver of the vehicle has been charged in connection with the crash. The case has been adjourned until January 20 as investigations continue.
Joshua, who was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, had been on holiday in Nigeria after a recent victory in the ring. Whether he ultimately follows through with retirement remains uncertain, but those close to him say the tragedy has changed his outlook on life and boxing forever.
