Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering retirement from professional boxing following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, disclosed that the 36-year-old boxer privately informed his family of his decision in the aftermath of the crash, which occurred last week.
According to his uncle, the decision has brought relief to the family, who have long endured emotional strain each time Joshua stepped into the ring.
“He has decided to retire from boxing, and that gives us peace,” Adedamola said during a visit to the family home in Sagamu on Monday. “Whenever he fought, we were always emotionally overwhelmed. Each time he was knocked down, it felt like our hearts were coming out of our chests. Now that he has said he wants to leave while the ovation is still high, we are happy.”
He confirmed that Joshua personally communicated the decision to his family.
The boxer has also pledged to provide lifelong support to the families of his late friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who died in the accident.
Joshua broke his public silence on Sunday by sharing photos on Instagram with the bereaved families, accompanied by the caption “My Brother’s Keeper,” alongside heart emojis and a military helmet symbol representing protection. The phrase references a biblical passage from Genesis, underscoring a sense of responsibility toward others.
A source close to Joshua’s camp said the boxer remains deeply committed to the families of the deceased, noting that both men were integral members of his team throughout his career. Ghami served as his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer.
The two had travelled to Nigeria with Joshua for a family visit when their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Both men died instantly, while Joshua was rescued from the wreckage and taken to hospital, sustaining only minor injuries.
On Sunday, Joshua attended an emotional funeral service at the London Central Mosque, where the Janaza prayer was held. The coffins were placed side by side as mourners gathered to pay their respects, followed by a wake later in the day.
Speaking from Sagamu, a local indigene, Adeniji Taiwo, expressed gratitude that Joshua survived the crash while mourning the loss of his friends.
“We thank God that we did not lose our son,” he said. “For those who lost their children, God will comfort them. He is our pride, and no one here wishes him evil.”
Addressing concerns that the tragedy might affect Joshua’s relationship with Nigeria, his uncle said the family was relying on faith.
“This is his root,” he said. “In moments of pain, emotions can make people say many things, but with time, you understand where you truly belong.”
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has charged the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Kayode, at the Sagamu Magistrate Court. He faces counts of causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The case has been adjourned until January 20.
Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was in Nigeria on holiday following his sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.