Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has spoken about reports surrounding the boxer’s future following the tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, Hearn said it was important to respect Joshua’s privacy and avoid discussions about his career at this time.
“He needs time and privacy right now, so there will be no statements from us regarding his career, upcoming fights, or anything else. He has to recover both physically and emotionally,” Hearn said.
“There is nothing to discuss at the moment. Let’s leave him alone. Let’s pray for him and for the families affected by this terrible incident.”
Hearn’s comments come amid reports that Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, revealed the former world heavyweight champion has decided to retire from boxing following the tragedy.
“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 during a visit to the family home in Sagamu.
“Each time he’s knocked down, it feels like our hearts are coming out of our chest. All the emotions whenever he fights are too much trauma for us. Now that he has said he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
When asked if Joshua had communicated the decision to the family, his uncle confirmed that he had.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion recently spoke publicly for the first time since the December 29 crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Joshua took to X to express his grief and acknowledge the pain of the bereaved families, while reflecting on the men he lost.
“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men,” he wrote.
“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
Meanwhile, UFC star Kamaru Usman shared footage of an emotional conversation he had with Joshua while the boxer was recovering from injuries sustained in the accident. The conversation took place ahead of an MMA event in Lagos on December 30, a day after the crash.
In the video, which has since been deleted, Joshua was seen lying in a treatment room with bandages around his head and torso as he spoke about the loss.
“Obviously, two of my close friends passed away,” Joshua said. “One was in the front, and one was behind him, on the right side. They both passed away. It still hasn’t sunk in.”
The crash occurred when a black Lexus SUV, driven by Adeniyi Kayode, 46, rammed into the back of a stationary truck carrying soya beans. Joshua and Kayode escaped without serious injuries.
Kayode later appeared before a magistrate in Sagamu, facing charges including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without a licence, and causing bodily harm. The case was adjourned until January 20, with bail set at ₦5 million.
Ayodele, a personal trainer known online as “Healthy Mindset,” was a long-time friend of Joshua, dating back to before the boxer’s professional career. Ghami was frequently seen training with Joshua and was in his corner for his recent fight with Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
Joshua spent New Year’s Eve in hospital before returning to the United Kingdom, where the funerals for Ghami and Ayodele were held at the London Central Mosque on January 4.
