By Ghazali Ibrahim
British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua is reportedly weighing up the possibility of retiring from professional boxing following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends and team members.
The 36‑year‑old former world champion was involved in the crash on December 29, 2025, on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway. While Joshua escaped with minor injuries and was discharged from hospital, the accident claimed the lives of his strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
According to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, the boxer has privately communicated to family that he may quit boxing, saying the emotional toll of losing close associates and longtime friends has deeply affected him. Sources say Joshua expressed that the trauma of fighting and the stress it places on his loved ones contributed to his decision.
Joshua has since shared a personal update on social media, posting photos with family and close friends with the caption “My Brother’s Keeper” as he mourns the loss of his team members and begins the recovery process.
At the same time, boxing fans and industry figures, including rival Tyson Fury, continue to speculate about the future of heavyweight matchups in 2026, though any plans for a big‑ticket fight involving Joshua are now uncertain amid his current circumstances.
No official retirement statement has yet been made by Joshua himself or his camp, but his potential exit from the sport marks a significant moment for one of boxing’s most recognised heavyweights.
