In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the world of sports, former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly set to retire from the ring. This decision comes in the wake of a horrific car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members.
The Tragic Accident on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The life-altering event occurred on a fateful Monday last week along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun. Anthony Joshua's vehicle was involved in a collision with a stationary truck. While the 36-year-old boxer miraculously escaped with only minor injuries, the crash proved fatal for his companions.
His close friends and valued team members, Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, died at the scene. The boxing world and fans across Nigeria and the United Kingdom were left in mourning by the sudden loss.
Family Confirms Retirement Decision
While Joshua himself, his promoter Eddie Hearn, and Matchroom Boxing have remained silent about his future since their initial statement on the night of the accident, a family member has now broken the news. Joshua's uncle, Adedamola Joshua, confirmed to The Punch newspaper that the boxer has decided to walk away from the sport.
"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 stated. He described the immense emotional toll the family endured during Joshua's fights, saying, "Each time he's knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest... it's too much trauma for us."
When directly asked if Joshua had communicated this retirement decision to the family, Adedamola's response was a simple and definitive "Yes".
Final Respects and a Career Cut Short
The funerals for Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele were held on Sunday, January 4, at a mosque in London. Anthony Joshua was present to pay his final respects to the friends lost in the tragic Nigeria crash.
This devastating event came just ten days after one of Joshua's greatest professional highs. On December 19, he had scored a knockout victory against Jake Paul in Miami, Florida. Prior to the accident, the boxing community was buzzing with rumours of a potential historic, all-British super-fight against Tyson Fury slated for 2026.
Joshua leaves the sport with a formidable record of 28 wins from 33 professional fights, having been defeated only four times. His uncle framed the retirement as leaving "while the ovation is highest," a sentiment with which the family expressed happiness amidst the tragedy.
The boxing world now awaits an official statement from Anthony Joshua or his camp, as fans and pundits alike come to terms with the abrupt and tragic circumstances surrounding the potential end of a champion's career.
