Anthony Joshua’s future in boxing has been thrown into sudden doubt following a devastating personal tragedy, and now, his family claim the former heavyweight champion has walked away from the sport for good.
The 36-year-old survived a horrific car crash in Nigeria last week that claimed the lives of two key members of his inner circle: strength coach Sina Ghami and long-time personal trainer Latif Ayodele. Joshua was travelling as a passenger when their vehicle collided with a stationary truck on a highway near Lagos.
While Joshua escaped with minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital within days, the emotional toll has been immense. He returned to London over the weekend to attend the funerals of both men.
Now, his uncle Adedamola Joshua has told Nigerian outlet The Punch that Anthony has privately informed the family he has retired from boxing.
“The major thing is that he has retired,” his uncle said. “Each time he fought, it was emotional torture for us. Every knockdown felt like our hearts were coming out of our chests. Now that he says he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are relieved.”
Asked if this decision came directly from Joshua himself, the answer was simple: “Yes.”
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Joshua, his promoters, or Matchroom Boxing. But the comments have sent shockwaves through the boxing world, particularly with long-rumoured fights against Tyson Fury and potential title bouts seemingly back on the table just weeks ago.
Fury’s promoter Frank Warren acknowledged the uncertainty, saying: “Physically, he might be fine, but mentally it’s another matter. Whether he ever fights again, only time will tell.”
Joshua’s last bout came on December 19, when he defeated Jake Paul in Miami, before travelling to Nigeria for what was meant to be a holiday. Instead, it may have marked the quiet end of one of British boxing’s defining careers.
