Anthony Joshua Considers Retiring from Boxing After Nasty Accident that Killed His Friends

Heavyweight star Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering walking away from boxing for good. The 36-year-old British man with Nigerian roots survived a fatal road accident in Nigeria last week, but the tragedy claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and teammates.

Joshua escaped with minor injuries after being pulled from the wreckage of a Lexus SUV.

The crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the vehicle collided with a stationary lorry. Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, were killed instantly.

The group had been travelling to visit Joshua’s family for the New Year when the incident happened.

"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, Anthony's uncle, as quoted by Nigerian media outlets.

Joshua’s uncle told reporters that the boxer has already informed his family of his decision to hang up his gloves. He explained that the family has suffered enough trauma watching the heavyweight compete over the years.

"Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest," his uncle added. The family is reportedly relieved he is choosing to leave while the ovation is at its highest.

A Legacy in the Balance

Joshua was at a high point in his career before the accident. He recently secured a sixth-round knockout victory against Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December 2025.

There had also been rumours of a massive all-British showdown against Tyson Fury in 2026.

ALSO READ: Identity of Two Men Who Died in Anthony Joshua’s Car Accident Revealed

The Watford-born star first became a household name during the London 2012 Olympics. Since turning professional in 2013, he has defeated major names including Wladimir Klitschko, Dillian Whyte, and Joseph Parker.

Loyalty Beyond the Ring

While Joshua has not yet made a formal public statement regarding retirement, he has broken his silence to honour his friends. On Sunday, he shared photos with the grieving families of Ghami and Ayodele with the caption "My Brothers' Keeper."

Reports suggest the boxer has pledged to financially support the families of his fallen teammates for the rest of their lives. Joshua attended an emotional funeral service for the pair at the London Central Mosque on Sunday.

As the boxing world waits for a final confirmation, the legal aftermath of the crash continues. The driver of the car, Adeniyi Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

He has pleaded not guilty, claiming the brakes failed. Joshua reportedly only survived because he had swapped seats to the back just before the journey began.