Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has privately informed his family that he is retiring from boxing, a decision driven by the emotional trauma of last week’s fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends.
Adedamola Joshua, the boxer’s uncle, exclusively confirmed the news to The PUNCHduring an emotional interview at the family home in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Monday.
“The Trauma is Too Much”
Joshua survived the December 29 accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, but his friends and team members, strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, died at the scene.
Joshua survived the December 29 accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, but his friends and team members, strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, died at the scene.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” Adedamola Joshua stated. “Each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally. … All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
The uncle confirmed that AJ had communicated this decision directly to the family following the tragedy.
A Brother’s Keeper: Life Support for Families
The 36-year-old boxer, who attended a somber funeral service for his friends at the London Central Mosque and Hendon Cemetery on Sunday, has vowed to provide lifelong support to the bereaved families.
The 36-year-old boxer, who attended a somber funeral service for his friends at the London Central Mosque and Hendon Cemetery on Sunday, has vowed to provide lifelong support to the bereaved families.
Joshua broke his public silence on Sunday with an Instagram post captioned “My Brothers Keeper”, featuring a photo with relatives of Ghami and Ayodele. A source close to the boxer told The Sun that AJ “is fiercely loyal” and will be there for the families “for the rest of their lives.”
The Crash: New Details Emerge
The accident occurred when the Lexus SUV carrying the group collided with a stationary truck after reported brake failure. In a twist of fate, Joshua had switched from the front passenger seat to the back moments earlier because his size was obstructing the driver’s view.
The accident occurred when the Lexus SUV carrying the group collided with a stationary truck after reported brake failure. In a twist of fate, Joshua had switched from the front passenger seat to the back moments earlier because his size was obstructing the driver’s view.
The driver, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has since been arraigned at the Sagamu Magistrate Court. He faces charges including causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid license. His lawyer maintains the brakes failed and the case has been adjourned until January 20.
Despite the tragedy, an indigene of Sagamu urged Joshua not to abandon his Nigerian roots: “This is his home. … We pray nothing like that will happen to him again.”