Usyk reaches out to Joshua after tragic car crash
Oleksandr Usyk has revealed he reached out to Anthony Joshua following the devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of the British heavyweight’s close friends, reports BritPanorama.
Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, who were not only companions but key members of Joshua’s team, died in the accident from which the 36-year-old escaped with minor injuries.
Usyk, who defeated Joshua in both their 2021 and 2022 encounters, shared that he detected a sense of determination in his former rival during their conversation. “I’ve already spoken with him. I heard a desire to continue in his voice for the friends he lost and for the chance to live that the Lord gave him,” Usyk stated.
The boxer drew parallels between Joshua’s situation and his own experiences with loss, referencing conversations he has had with bereaved families in Ukraine. “Once I spoke with the mother of my fallen comrade, and she told me: ‘Oleksandr, he would be very proud that you are continuing your work; he will watch you from heaven’,” he recalled, adding that he believes his loved ones serve as “guardian angels” who help him in the ring.
Prior to the tragedy, Joshua had been linked with a blockbuster bout against Tyson Fury this year, but those plans have now been shelved. Promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports that the former two-time world champion will require space before making any decisions about his career. “He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, before he makes a decision on his future,” Hearn explained. “It is certainly not a conversation I’ll be having with him any time soon. The only conversation is, ‘Are you OK?'”
Despite the emotional turmoil, Joshua has resumed his boxing preparations in Dubai. Earlier this week, he shared footage of himself hitting pads, describing the session as “mental strength therapy.” He also posted a moving tribute to Ayodele and Ghami on Instagram, reflecting on the time they spent together.
In acknowledging the magnitude of his grief, Joshua remarked, “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.” As the investigation into the crash continues, the 47-year-old driver of the vehicle has survived and has been charged with reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and operating a vehicle without a valid licence.
In the realm of boxing, where triumph often hails from agony, the lines between victory and personal tragedy can blur hastily. For Joshua, the path ahead may be fraught with challenges, yet it serves as an unyielding reminder of how easily dreams can intertwine with loss.
