Anthony Joshua’s uncle has revealed that the former heavyweight world champion has indicated his intention to retire following a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of two close friends in Nigeria. Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV involved in a collision on a major expressway near Lagos, resulting in the fatalities of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. Their funerals were held at a mosque in London on Sunday.
In an Instagram post before attending the funeral, Joshua shared photos with his mother and other women, one of whom held a picture of Ghami, captioned ‘My Brothers Keeper’. Following the incident, Joshua is reportedly contemplating retirement, with his family informed of his decision privately. Joshua’s uncle expressed relief at the prospect of his retirement from boxing, citing emotional stress during Joshua’s fights.
While reports from Nigeria suggest Joshua has retired, Mirror Fighting indicates that Joshua has not yet made a final decision on his future. The driver involved in the accident has been charged with various driving offenses, as confirmed by the Ogun State Police Command. Joshua received hospital treatment and was discharged on New Year’s Eve after the incident.
Witnesses described the shock of the accident, revealing that Joshua had initially been seated in the front of the vehicle before being asked to move to the back, potentially saving his life. Joshua had been in Nigeria following a boxing victory over Jake Paul, earning a substantial sum from the bout. Plans for a future fight between Joshua and Fury remain uncertain following the recent events.
Reflecting on Joshua’s career, the article highlights his achievements and setbacks in the boxing world, including his rise to fame after winning Olympic gold in 2012 and his subsequent victories and defeats in the heavyweight division. Despite recent challenges, Joshua’s legacy in boxing remains significant.