Eddie Hearn addresses Anthony Joshua’s well-being after car crash
Eddie Hearn has provided a brief update regarding Anthony Joshua’s condition following a car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two of the boxer’s close friends shortly before Christmas, reports BritPanorama.
The promoter stated that Joshua requires time and space to process his grief, making it clear that discussions concerning his boxing future remain off-limits for the time being.
Hearn remarked: “At the moment, Anthony needs time. Time and privacy. There will be no conversations from us about a career, any moves, what’s next. This is a terrible tragedy and Anthony’s going to need his own time, physically and emotionally.”
On a major road near Lagos, the vehicle carrying Joshua, a black Lexus SUV, collided with a stationary lorry that was unloading soya beans. The crash resulted in the immediate deaths of Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele, known as “Latz.” Both men were 36 years old and integral to Joshua’s team.
Despite the severity of the crash, both Joshua and the driver, 47-year-old Adeniyi Kayode, avoided serious injuries. However, the lorry driver fled the scene and remains at large, prompting further investigation.
Kayode has appeared in court, facing multiple charges including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, and operating a vehicle without a valid licence. Should he be convicted, he may face life imprisonment due to the serious nature of the charges, with the court case set to resume on January 20.
Joshua has since returned to the UK, where he attended the funerals of Ghami and Ayodele. Before the services, he took to social media to express his grief, posting photographs alongside the families of the deceased with the caption: “My brothers keeper.” This tragedy follows a recent trip to Nigeria for Joshua, where he had been celebrating his knockout victory over Jake Paul just a week before the accident.
The balance of personal loss and professional ambition often defines a sports figure’s journey. For Joshua, in this moment of profound tragedy, the road ahead is uncertain, illustrating how fleeting life can be, even among champions.
