Anthony Joshua has made a return to the boxing gym nearly three weeks after being involved in a fatal car accident in Nigeria. The former two-time heavyweight champion was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck near Lagos, resulting in the tragic deaths of two of his close friends and teammates, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. After receiving hospital treatment following the incident, Joshua has now been seen working out in the gym, engaging in what he calls “mental strength therapy.” His recent social media posts show him actively training, including lower body exercises, stationary bike rides, and pool workouts.
Despite reports suggesting Joshua’s retirement following the accident, his future in boxing remains uncertain as he has yet to make an official decision. His uncle mentioned that Joshua had privately expressed his intention to retire from boxing, citing emotional distress experienced by the family during his fights. However, sources close to Joshua indicate that no final decision has been made regarding his boxing career.
Following the car crash, the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with various offenses related to the accident. Joshua narrowly escaped serious injury after switching seats with the driver just before the collision. It is expected that Joshua will take time to process the traumatic event and consider his next steps before making any decisions about his future in the sport.
Amidst speculations about his retirement, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, emphasized that any discussions about the boxer’s return to the ring are premature. Hearn expressed support for Joshua, acknowledging the need for him to recover physically, mentally, and emotionally before contemplating his boxing future. He affirmed that Joshua’s decision on returning to the sport will be solely his, emphasizing the importance of allowing Joshua the necessary time to heal and make a well-considered decision.