The former two-time heavyweight world champion is back in the gym just weeks after he was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria
Anthony Joshua is back in the gym just weeks on after being involved in a car crash over in Nigeria
Anthony Joshua has returned to the boxing gym nearly three weeks after he was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion was a passenger in the the Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway near Lagos, Nigeria. While Joshua escaped with minor injuries, the incident claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close friends and teammates, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Their funerals took place in London on January 4.
Joshua was in the country for a holiday and to visit family, just days after knocking out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 36-year-old spent a few days receiving hospital treatment before being discharged on New Year’s Eve. Many have wondered whether or not ‘AJ’ will ever fight again.
That said, the Brit recently shared pictures on Snapchat of him in the gym, working out and hitting pads in what he described as “mental strength therapy.” Joshua can also be seen pushing himself with some lower leg exercises as well as riding a stationary bike. Further footage showed the boxing star getting in a pool in a compilation of footage.
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Other posts included a picture of what appeared to be the official time he had been on a cardio machines, along with the caption: “I am a fighter.” as well as a photo of him being punched by heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko during their epic showdown back in 2017 at Wembley Stadium.
On January 6, Joshua’s uncle claimed the former world champion had informed his family he will retire following the car crash. The Brit allegedly made the decision ‘known to his family in private’. “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 Joshua told The Punch.
“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.” Despite the stunning remarks made in Nigeria, Mirror Fighting understands Joshua has yet to make a decision on his future.
On January 2, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode – who was driving the car with Joshua as a passenger – had been charged over the crash at the Sagamu Magistrate Court. He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. “The defendant was granted bail in the sum of five million naira ($3,480) with two sureties. He was remanded pending when he meets his bail condition,” DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi told AFP.
Joshua cheated death after stunning reports emerged not long after the incident that the boxer was initially seated in the front seat of the vehicle before being asked to move to the back by the driver. The 36-year-old is expected to grieve, and take some time before discussing his next move.
During a recent interview with Sky Sportsthe boxer’s promoter Eddie Hearn reaffirmed that there are no conversations taking place over the Brit’s fighting future. When asked whether he expects ‘AJ’ take time some time away, Hearn replied: “Yeah, I do. That’s not a conversation that I think anyone’s comfortable in having in terms of asking what could be next or what he’s thinking.
“That’s something that has to come next. You need someone to have their time and to just be left alone, really, to get over, like I said, not just a terrible incident, but just one that you can never prepare for in life. You never, ever want to see anybody you know in any kind of this situation.
“It’s heartbreaking. And when the time is right, I believe he will make his decision. You’ll hear it from him. The future of Anthony Joshua will be told by Anthony Joshua. And that’s the only voice you should listen to in that respect. And we’ll give him his time to make that decision and to heal specifically in many different ways. What happened to him is not normal and it’s heartbreaking for everybody involved, particularly the families of Sina and Latz, who were so incredibly loved.”
The boxing promoter added: “I think AJ, as we’ve seen in the past on boxing-related stuff, he’s always a kind of brave-faced guy. This, of course, is very different to that. But I know that he’ll take his time and he’ll need his time physically and mentally, emotionally, spiritually before he makes a decision on his future.
“I do think he’s going to want to return to boxing, but that’ll be his decision when the time’s right. It’s certainly not a conversation that I’ll be having with him anytime soon. The only conversation now is (asking), are you okay? Our thoughts are, of course, not just with the families of Sina and Latz, but with AJ as well. We pray for him every day.”
