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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 long-time team members.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Punch during a visit to the family home in Sagamu, Ogun State. According to him, the 36-year-old boxer privately communicated his intention to step away from the sport in the aftermath of the fatal crash.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally,” Adedamola said. “Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest. The emotional trauma is too much for us.”
When asked if Joshua had personally informed the family of his decision, the uncle confirmed, saying, “Yes.”
The devastating accident occurred last Monday near Lagos when a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and members of his team collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Two of Joshua’s close associates—Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, his personal trainer—died instantly at the scene.
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Joshua was rescued from the wreckage and rushed to hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries. The boxing star later broke his silence on Sunday by sharing photos with the bereaved families on Instagram, accompanied by the caption “My Brother’s Keeper,” a phrase drawn from Genesis 4:9, symbolising responsibility and loyalty.
A source within Joshua’s camp told UK publication The Sun that the boxer has pledged lifelong support to the families of the deceased. “AJ is fiercely loyal to his friends and their families and will be there for them for the rest of their lives,” the source said.
Joshua also attended an emotional funeral service at the London Central Mosque, where the Janaza prayers were conducted for Ghami and Ayodele before their burial rites.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Kayode, has been charged at the Sagamu Magistrate Court for causing death by dangerous and reckless driving. The case has been adjourned until January 20.
Born in Watford to Nigerian parents, Joshua was in Nigeria on holiday following his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
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