Anthony Joshua reportedly set to quit boxing after car accident in Nigeria
World heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering ending his boxing career following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
His uncle, Adedamola Joshua, exclusively told PUNCH correspondent that Joshua has made the decision known to his family in private.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. 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.”
When asked if Joshua had communicated the decision directly to the family, his uncle confirmed, “Yes.”
Accident Claims Lives of Two Close Team Members
The crash happened along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team collided with a stationary truck.
Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, his personal trainer, were killed instantly.
Joshua was rescued from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital with minor injuries.
Promise of Lifelong Support to Bereaved Families
Joshua has pledged lifelong support to the families of his late friends. A source within his camp told The Sun, “AJ is fiercely loyal to his friends and their families and will be there for them for the rest of their lives. He’s had the same team around him for his whole career, and that team included Sina and Latz.”
Joshua also shared photographs on Instagram with the bereaved families, captioned “My Brothers Keeper”, alongside two heart emojis and a military helmet symbol, reflecting a moral responsibility to care for those close to him.
Tributes and Emotional Farewell
Joshua attended the London Central Mosque for the Janaza prayers on Sunday.
The coffins of Ghami and Ayodele were placed side by side, and hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects before the funeral and wake followed.
In Sagamu, his hometown community expressed gratitude for Joshua’s survival while mourning the deceased. Residents prayed for healing and urged him not to abandon his roots despite the trauma of the experience.
Police Charge Driver Over Crash
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless driving, and driving without a valid licence.
He pleaded not guilty, claiming the vehicle’s brakes failed. The case has been adjourned to January 20.
Joshua, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was on holiday in Nigeria after defeating YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul via sixth-round knockout in Miami on December 19.
