Anthony Joshua Weighs Boxing Retirement After Fatal Nigeria Crash Kills Two Close Allies

Anthony Joshua Weighs Boxing Retirement After Fatal Nigeria Crash Kills Two Close Allies

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is seriously considering retirement from boxing, following a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and long-time team members.

Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, disclosed on Monday that the 36-year-old boxer privately informed his family of the decision after surviving last week’s devastating crash near Lagos, which killed Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” Adedamola told reporters during a visit to the family home in Sagamu, Ogun State. “Each time he fights, we are emotionally traumatised. Now that he says he is leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”

Asked if Joshua had formally communicated the decision to the family, his uncle replied simply: “Yes.”

The former heavyweight champion, who escaped the accident with minor injuries, has also pledged lifelong support to the families of Ghami and Ayodele. The two men were core members of Joshua’s boxing camp — Ghami served as his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer.

READ ALSO:

• Dangote Refinery Maintains Fuel Production Despite Maintenance on Key Units
• Tacha Backs Osimhen, Compares Super Eagles Star to Cristiano Ronaldo After AFCON Row
• Chelsea Appoint Liam Rosenior as New Head Coach on Six-Year Deal After Maresca Exit

Joshua broke his silence on Sunday with an emotional Instagram post, sharing images with the bereaved families and captioning them “My Brother’s Keeper”, a biblical reference underscoring his commitment to supporting the families left behind.

A source close to the boxer said Joshua remains “fiercely loyal” to the families of his late teammates and will continue to care for them indefinitely.

The fatal crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and his team collided with a stalled truck. Ghami and Ayodele died instantly, while Joshua was pulled from the wreckage by emergency responders and taken to hospital.

The boxer later attended a solemn Islamic funeral service at the London Central Mosque, where the coffins of his late aides were placed side by side for Janaza prayers, drawing hundreds of mourners.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and related offences. The case has been adjourned until January 20.

Despite concerns that the tragedy might distance Joshua from Nigeria, family members insist the boxer remains deeply connected to his roots.

“This is his home,” his uncle said. “Whatever happens, this is where he belongs.”

Anthony Joshua Weighs Boxing Retirement After Fatal Nigeria Crash Kills Two Close Allies