Eddie Hearn discusses Anthony Joshua’s potential return to boxing
Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua could return to the ring as a tribute to his two close friends who tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Nigeria, reports BritPanorama.
The promoter met with the two-time heavyweight world champion in Dubai last week, emerging convinced that the sport remains central to Joshua’s recovery process. “I’m very proud of him, very proud of him and I think boxing is a massive part of his life,” Hearn said.
He indicated that Joshua’s ongoing training feels vital, suggesting, “It almost feels like being with him recently, it’s like boxing saved him and it will probably save him again.” The crash, which occurred four days after Christmas in Nigeria, resulted in the deaths of personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami, both close friends of Joshua, who survived and was hospitalised.
Since returning to the UK following the incident, Joshua attended the funerals of his late friends. Despite recovering from injuries sustained in the crash, the 36-year-old boxer has resumed training as a means of supporting his mental wellbeing during this difficult period.
Hearn described Joshua’s resilience as remarkable, emphasising that he is focusing on his recovery while preparing for the physical demands of boxing. “Like I said, his strength is incredible, incredible. And he’s training with his injuries, he’s focused, and he’s an inspiration,” Hearn noted.
Joshua’s crash came just ten days after his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul, a moment of triumph that was quickly overshadowed by tragedy. Hearn remarked on the stark contrast between Joshua’s euphoria following the victory and the grief that followed. “I just remember a few months ago, we were all sitting at that table, just talking about life and joking… after the Jake Paul fight he was on such a high,” he reflected.
While any future plans will ultimately depend on Joshua’s readiness, Hearn stressed that the boxer is currently focused on overcoming his injuries. “What he’s doing at the moment is he’s getting over his injuries,” he explained, adding that Joshua’s return to the ring will be driven by his own timing and determination, not external pressure.
As Joshua navigates this challenging chapter, it serves as a poignant reminder of how swiftly life can shift in the realm of sport. Here’s hoping the ring, once a sanctuary for him, can once again provide solace amid the noise of loss and recovery.
