Anthony Joshua’s relative has reportedly revealed that the former two-time unified world heavyweight champion has called time on his career after being involved in a car crash, which claimed the lives of his two friends in Nigeria.
Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries when the Lexus SUV he was travelling in collided with a stationary truck near Lagos on December 29.
The 36-year-old, who had been in the central African country visiting family, was subsequently taken to hospital before returning to the UK last week.
Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, two of Joshua’s team members and closest friends, died in the crash, with the pair’s funeral taking place in London on Sunday (January 4).
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Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who was driving the vehicle, has since been charged at Sagamu Magistrate's Court with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver's licence.
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Kayode, 46, was granted bail for 5,000,000 Naira (£2,578) with the case now adjourned until January 20.
Joshua broke his silence on Sunday and posted on social media for the first time since the tragic crash.
The Watford-born boxer posted two photographs, with one showing him alongside family members of Ghami and Ayodele.
The crash occurred just ten days after Joshua’s knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
However, it is unclear when or if he will return to the ring despite him being linked with a 2026 bout against fellow Brit Tyson Fury, who recently revealed he is set to return from retirement.
Boxing is likely not on Joshua’s mind right now, given the tragic loss of his two friends, but according to a family member, he may well have boxed for the final time.
Speaking to Punch, Joshua’s uncle Adedamola said that the heavyweight has “retired from boxing” following the crash.
"That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally,” Adedamola said.
“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest.
"All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
If Joshua were to retire, he would go down as one of the most successful British heavyweight boxers of all time with a professional record of 29-4-0 with standout wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Dillian Whyte.
SPORTbible has contacted Anthony Joshua’s representatives and Matchroom Boxing for comment.
Topics: Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Jake Paul, Nigeria, Tyson Fury
Luke Davies