Anthony Joshua ‘Retired From Boxing’ as Update Given After Fatal Car Crash
Anthony Joshua’s relative has reportedly revealed that the former two-time unified world heavyweight champion has called time on his career after being involved in a car crash, which claimed the lives of his two friends in Nigeria.
Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries when the Lexus SUV he was travelling in collided with a stationary truck near Lagos on December 29.
The 36-year-old, who had been in the central African country visiting family, was subsequently taken to hospital before returning to the UK last week.
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Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, two of Joshua’s team members and closest friends, died in the crash, with the pair’s funeral taking place in London on Sunday (January 4).
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who was driving the vehicle, has since been charged at Sagamu Magistrate’s Court with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s license.
Sina Ghami (left), Anthony Joshua (centre) and Latif Ayodele (right). Image: Instagram
Kayode, 46, was granted bail for 5,000,000 Naira (£2,578) with the case now adjourned until January 20.
Joshua broke his silence on Sunday and posted on social media for the first time since the tragic crash.
The Watford-born boxer posted two photographs, with one showing him alongside family members of Ghami and Ayodele.
The crash occurred just ten days after Joshua’s knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
However, it is unclear when or if he will return to the ring despite him being linked with a 2026 bout against fellow Brit Tyson Fury, who recently revealed he is set to return from retirement.
Boxing is likely not on Joshua’s mind right now, given the tragic loss of his two friends, but according to a family member, he may well have boxed for the final time.
Anthony Joshua beat Jake Paul on December 19 (Credit:Getty)
Speaking to Punch, Joshua’s uncle Adedamola said that the heavyweight has “retired from boxing” following the crash.
“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.
“All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
If Joshua were to retire, he would go down as one of the most successful British heavyweight boxers of all time with a professional record of 29-4-0 with standout wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Dillian Whyte.
Authorities believe that the car was speeding at the time of the crash, and suffered a tyre blowout during a high-speed overtake.
Joshua was pulled out of the car by rescuers (Image: Twitter)
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was charged in court with death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence, a police source confirmed to the BBC.
Kayode denies all the charges against him and, according to his lawyers, is claiming that the crash was an ‘accident’ and that the brakes ‘did not work’.
There have been conflicting reports over the exact nature of Joshua’s injuries, but the 36-year-old is now back in the UK after being released from hospital on New Year’s Eve.
The memorial services for Ghami and Ayodele will take place in London on Sunday.
Now, Joshua has posted on social media for the first time since the crash took place.
In one photo, posted to Instagram, he is sat on a sofa with four others, with one holding a framed photo of Mr Ghami.
Alongside the photos, he captioned the post with a simple three-word message: “My Brothers Keeper.”
Image: Instagram/@anthonyjoshua
A family member told the BBC that Joshua had been travelling to Sagamu to visit relatives for New Year celebrations.
A number of Joshua’s boxing rivals have sent messages of condolence to the two-time heavyweight champion, including Jake Paul and Tyson Fury.
His promoter Eddie Hearn wrote: “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, two of Joshua’s team members and closest friends, died in the crash, with the pair’s funeral taking place in London on Sunday (January 4).
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who was driving the vehicle, has since been charged at Sagamu Magistrate’s Court with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s license.
Kayode, 46, was granted bail for 5,000,000 Naira (£2,578) with the case now adjourned until January 20.
Joshua broke his silence on Sunday and posted on social media for the first time since the tragic crash.
The Watford-born boxer posted two photographs, with one showing him alongside family members of Ghami and Ayodele.
The crash occurred just ten days after Joshua’s knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
However, it is unclear when or if he will return to the ring despite him being linked with a 2026 bout against fellow Brit Tyson Fury, who recently revealed he is set to return from retirement.
Boxing is likely not on Joshua’s mind right now, given the tragic loss of his two friends, but according to a family member, he may well have boxed for the final time.
Speaking to Punch, Joshua’s uncle Adedamola said that the heavyweight has “retired from boxing” following the crash.
“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.
“All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
If Joshua were to retire, he would go down as one of the most successful British heavyweight boxers of all time with a professional record of 29-4-0 with standout wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Dillian Whyte.
SPORTbible has contacted Anthony Joshua’s representatives and Matchroom Boxing for comment.
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