Anthony Joshua Set To Retire After Surviving Fatal Car Crash
Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering retirement from boxing after surviving a devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. The former two-time heavyweight world champion was travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway near Lagos last week.
The accident resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, both members of Joshua’s close inner circle. The incident sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with many struggling to comprehend how narrowly Joshua escaped with his life. He was taken to hospital following the crash and spent several days receiving treatment before being discharged on New Year’s Eve.
In the days after the tragedy, reports emerged from Nigeria suggesting Joshua had privately informed his family that he was seriously considering stepping away from the sport. His uncle, Adedamola Joshua, spoke openly about the emotional strain boxing has placed on the family over the years, explaining that every fight brings fear and trauma for those watching at home.
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Family claims and emotional toll
According to his uncle, the idea of Joshua retiring while still admired and respected would bring relief to the family. He explained that seeing Joshua hurt or knocked down in the ring has always been deeply distressing, and that recent events have only amplified those feelings. However, despite these claims, no official announcement has been made, and Joshua himself has yet to publicly confirm any decision regarding his future.
On Sunday, Joshua attended the funeral of Ghami and Ayodele in London. The coffins were placed side by side as Islamic funeral prayers were read, with hundreds gathering outside the mosque to pay their respects. Earlier the same day, Joshua shared a quiet moment on social media, posting images of himself sitting alongside his mother and other family members, one holding a photograph of Ghami. He captioned the post “My Brother’s Keeper,” offering a rare glimpse into his grief.
An eyewitness to the crash later revealed that Joshua appeared deeply shaken and unable to speak immediately after being pulled from the wreckage. Further reports suggested that Joshua had initially been seated in the front of the vehicle but was asked to move to the back shortly before the collision, a decision that may have saved his life.
Nigerian police have since charged the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, with multiple offences including causing death by dangerous driving. He has pleaded not guilty and was granted bail as legal proceedings continue.
As speculation around Joshua’s future grows, figures such as Tyson Fury have already been linked to potential implications should he retire. For now, however, the focus remains on Joshua’s recovery and the profound personal loss that has led him to reconsider his life inside the ring.
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