Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Eddie Hearn
Nasir Jabbar
Eddie Hearn has delivered his honest verdict on whether Anthony Joshua will return to boxing in the wake of the car accident that killed two of his close friends.
Joshua, who knocked out Jake Paul last month, was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria last month.
Team members Sina Ghami and Lateef 'Latz' Ayodele passed away in the tragic accident.
The 36-year-old has been left mourning as he paid tribute to his pals in an emotional post.
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It remains to be seen whether Joshua will resume his legendary boxing career, having returned to the win column following his sixth-round knockout victory over Paul.
Matchroom chief Hearn, who has promoted the star boxer's entire professional career, caught up with 'AJ' in a face-to-face meeting earlier this month.
On Tuesday, the boxing promoter appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show and issued an encouraging update on Joshua's boxing career.
He believes Joshua will 'fight on in honour' of Sina and 'Latz' but admits it won't be an easy process.
"After the Jake Paul fight, [Joshua] was on such a high. Last year was painful for him, coming off the defeat to Dubois... Just seeing him so happy after the Jake Paul fight, and then that happens - it’s devastating," Hearn told Helwani.
"He’s an inspiration. He really is. And that’s life. I always say, 'This too shall pass'. It’s one of the great sayings. People think that saying is only for when you’re having a bad time, but actually, it’s reflective on both sides of the fence."
He added: "It almost feels like, being with him recently, boxing saved him - and it will probably save him again. I think he will fight on, and I think he’ll do it in their honour, but it’s not going to be easy."
After his victory over Paul, an all-British showdown against long-time rival Tyson Fury had been mooted for 2026, with the 'Gypsy King' set to return to action this year.
Joshua made one of his first public appearances when he surprised a youth football team at their training session.
He interacted with the children, who loved the superstar Brit's visit.
Considering what he has gone through, it's great to see Joshua with a smile on his face.