Anthony Joshua’s boxing future in jeopardy after tragic accident
Eddie Hearn has conceded that Anthony Joshua’s boxing career could be over following the devastating car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his inner circle, reports BritPanorama.
The accident, which occurred in late December near Lagos, resulted in the deaths of strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif Ayodele, both of whom were close associates of the British heavyweight champion. Joshua himself narrowly escaped a fatal fate by switching seats before the vehicle departed on its journey.
Following the incident, Joshua was hospitalised over the New Year before being flown back to Britain. He arrived at London Stansted Airport on 2 January and has since been recuperating at home. A funeral service for Ghami and Ayodele took place on 4 January at a mosque in London, where Joshua paid his respects alongside the bereaved families.
In a recent interview with IFL, Hearn acknowledged the gravity of the situation, revealing that he has not yet met with Joshua since the accident. The promoter expressed uncertainty about whether Joshua will be able to return to the ring, emphasizing the necessity of complete physical readiness before a boxer can resume training.
Hearn stated, “It’s not easy. He is keeping himself busy. Physically, he is getting himself over the injuries that he suffered. They are not injuries that will affect him long-term moving forward. But they are injuries that will take time.” He elaborated that the demanding nature of professional boxing requires fighters to be fully healthy before returning to training.
Although recent images of Joshua back in the gym suggest he may be preparing for a comeback, Hearn clarified that these should not be interpreted as indicative of a return to competitive boxing. “Boxing is a tough and rough sport. You can’t just go back in camp with injuries like that,” he explained. “At the moment, there is no conversation or no need to have a conversation about that.”
Despite the uncertainty regarding his boxing future, Hearn insisted that Joshua remains committed to training. The former champion has described his workouts as “mental strength therapy,” focusing on recovery rather than preparation for a return to the ring.
Breaking his silence on 8 January, Joshua shared his thoughts on social media, stating: “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.”
As the heavyweight landscape evolves, Joshua’s journey underscores the personal challenges athletes face beyond the sport, with recovery taking precedence over the pursuit of titles for now.
