Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
British former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering retiring from the sport following a devastating car accident in Nigeria that killed two of his closest friends and members of his team, his uncle has revealed. The 36-year-old boxer, who has achieved global fame with multiple world title reigns, is said to be grappling with the emotional toll of the tragedy, sparking questions over his future in boxing.
The comments were made by Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, in an exclusive interview, in which he disclosed that the former two-time world heavyweight champion had privately informed family members he was “seriously considering” stepping away from the sport. According to the uncle, the decision stemmed from deep reflection following the harrowing crash and its aftermath.
The accident occurred on 29 December 2025 while Joshua was in Nigeria for the holiday season. He was a passenger in a Lexus SUV travelling on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck, a collision that claimed the lives of two of his close associates — strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital in Lagos, where he was treated and later released.
The crash sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with tributes pouring in from fellow fighters and sporting figures. Prominent boxers such as Tyson Fury publicly offered condolences, while fans and commentators reflected on the fragility of life outside the ring.
Since returning to the United Kingdom, Joshua has been processing both physical recovery and emotional trauma. Although he sustained only minor physical injuries, sources close to him have indicated that the psychological impact of losing two trusted team members so suddenly has been profound. The emotional scars — compounded by grief and the suddenness of the tragedy — are understood to be influencing his thoughts about his career’s future.
Joshua is one of the most successful heavyweight boxers of his generation, with a professional record that includes multiple world title victories and high-profile bouts against elite opponents. His popularity transcends the sport, and any step toward retirement would mark a major moment in modern boxing history. Prior to the crash, he had been widely expected to remain active in the division following a high-profile victory over Jake Paul in December 2025.
The aftermath of the crash has already shifted focus in Joshua’s life beyond the ring. In his first public message since the collision, he posted a photograph on social media with family members, captioned “My Brother’s Keeper”, paying tribute to his late friends and acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment.
While Joshua himself has not made any definitive public statement about his boxing future, the comments from his uncle signal that the crash has precipitated serious reflection on whether continuing to compete remains the right path. Boxing insiders and fans alike have noted that Joshua’s legacy is secure regardless of his next steps, but many hope he finds clarity and peace in whatever decision he ultimately makes.
Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and close associates are yet to issue an official response to the retirement speculation. For now, the focus remains on his recovery and the mourning of his late friends, with the broader sporting community offering support during a deeply challenging period.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments