Anthony Joshua is reportedly able to retire from boxing after a tragic automotive accident in Nigeria.
The previous heavyweight champion has knowledgeable these closest to him that he plans to step away from the ring following a devastating accident that took the lives of his coach and greatest buddy. This tragedy has reshaped his outlook on life and competitors, based on his relative.
The revelation got here from his uncle Adedamola Joshua who mentioned the choice brings reduction to the household after years of emotional pressure and stress of watching Joshua combat on the sport’s highest stage.
He not too long ago attended the funeral of each males at London Central Mosque a second that underscored the depth of the tragedy. Within the aftermath Adedamola Joshua confirmed that his nephew had already made his determination recognized.
“The foremost factor there’s that he has retired from boxing,” he informed PUNCH. “That’s one factor that makes us glad as a result of every time he’s combating within the ring, we’re at all times carried away emotionally.
“Every time he’s knocked down, it is rather like the guts is popping out of our chest.
“All these emotional emotions each time he’s combating, it’s an excessive amount of trauma for us, additionally. Now that he has mentioned that he’s leaving whereas the ovation is highest, we’re joyful.”
Joshua’s relative added that the boxer believes that is the best time to stroll away after a 12 yr skilled profession that delivered a number of championships world recognition and historic nights in packed arenas.
Joshua final competed in December when he defeated Jake Paul in a demolition that completed with Paul’s jaw being damaged in two locations. The occasion additionally delivered a serious payday for Joshua, setting the stage for a busy 2026.
The Paul bout was considered as a strategic transfer designed to maintain momentum alive whereas bigger plans have been being finalized behind the scenes.
These plans included a doable lengthy awaited conflict with Tyson Fury with a return penciled in for February or March. Joshua was additionally exploring different choices for a comeback combat as he continued rebuilding after a loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Promoter Eddie Hearn publicly said that Joshua nonetheless had ambitions of reclaiming a world heavyweight title and was even open to going through Fabio Wardley if the chance arose.
Every thing modified after the automotive accident in Nigeria final week.
Joshua suffered minor accidents and was hospitalized in Nigeria earlier than returning to the UK. The crash claimed the lives of two of his closest associates and longtime workforce members Latif Latz Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
The loss despatched shockwaves via Joshua’s internal circle, the boxing group and in addition prompted questions on his future in boxing.
Whether or not the choice turns into everlasting stays to be seen however for now these closest to Joshua say the gloves are off and the precedence has shifted.