Anthony Joshua shared a video of himself in the gym this week amid speculation over his boxing future, having been involved in a car crash in Nigeria which killed two of his close friends
Eddie Hearn has provided an update on Anthony Joshua, who’s returned to the gym weeks after losing two of his close friends in a car crash. Joshua, 36, was involved in a horrifying collision in Nigeria which led to the deaths of his good friends and team members, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
Boxing star Joshua only suffered minor injuries, having cheated death by swapping seats ahead of the journey. This week, the former two-time heavyweight champion was spotted back in the gym, as he donned the gloves again in Dubai.
Hearn, his long-time promoter through Matchroom Boxing, caught up with Joshua and shared a post on Instagram. “Great to catch up with @anthonyjoshua today,” the Matchroom chief wrote.
“His resilience and strength is inspiring. The loss is heavy, and he will take his time to get back on track. But said he is truly grateful for all the support and the love shown for Latz and Sina.”
Joshua’s future in boxing has been shrouded in doubt since the crash. Previously, Hearn said that the Brit will take a ‘considerable amount of time’ out of the sport.
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“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,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “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.”
Joshua is yet to address the speculation over his boxing future. The 32-year-old shared an emotional tribute to Ayodele and Ghami on social media earlier this month.
“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers,” Joshua posted. “I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.
“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
Proceedings against Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who was driving Joshua and his friends, will be reopened Tuesday. Kayode was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
