Anthony Joshua retirement talks emerge after a fatal car crash in Nigeria killed two close aides and left the former champion reassessing his boxing future
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, on Monday, privately informed family members that he is seriously considering retirement from professional boxing following a fatal car crash in Nigeria.
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The disclosure was made in Sagamu, Ogun State, by Adedamola Joshua, the boxer’s uncle, during an interview after the incident that killed two of Joshua’s close friends and team members last week.
Anthony Joshua, 36, survived the crash, which occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, but lost his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” Adedamola Joshua said. “That alone gives us relief.”
He explained that watching Joshua fight had always been emotionally draining for the family.
“Each time he is knocked down, it feels like our hearts are leaving our bodies,” he said. “The trauma is too much.”
According to him, the boxer communicated the decision directly to the family after the tragedy.
Joshua also pledged lifelong support to the families of the deceased, a commitment confirmed by relatives and sources within his camp.
On Sunday, the boxer broke his public silence by sharing photographs with the bereaved families on Instagram, captioned “My Brothers Keeper.”
The post carried symbolic emojis representing protection and loyalty.
A source within Joshua’s camp told a UK publication that the former champion remains fiercely loyal to his inner circle and views the loss as deeply personal.
Ghami and Ayodele were described as integral members of Joshua’s boxing career, having worked closely with him for years.
The two men had travelled to Nigeria with Joshua for a family visit when their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck. Both died instantly.
Joshua was pulled from the wreckage by emergency responders and treated for minor injuries.
On Sunday, the boxer attended an emotional funeral service at the London Central Mosque, where the Janaza prayers were held for both men before a private cremation.
Residents of Sagamu expressed gratitude that Joshua survived the crash while mourning the loss of his companions.
“We thank God we did not lose our son,” said Adeniji Taiwo, a community indigene. “He is our pride.”
Addressing speculation about Joshua distancing himself from Nigeria, his uncle dismissed such concerns.
“This is his root,” he said. “Emotionally, people may speak, but home remains home.”
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Kayode, has been charged at the Sagamu Magistrate Court with causing death by dangerous driving and related offences. The case was adjourned to January 20.
Joshua, born in Watford, England, to Nigerian parents, had been on holiday in Nigeria after recording a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
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Whether the former champion ultimately proceeds with the Anthony Joshua retirement decision remains uncertain, but family members say the recent tragedy has profoundly reshaped his priorities.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
