- Anthony Joshua is considering retirement from boxing following a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two close members of his team.
- His uncle, Adedamola Joshua, confirmed that the former heavyweight champion privately informed his family of the decision, citing the emotional toll of his career.
- Joshua survived the accident with minor injuries and has pledged lifelong support to the families of the deceased.
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is seriously considering retirement from boxing, according to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, following a tragic car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends and team members.
Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH during a visit to the family home in Sagamu, Adedamola revealed that the 36-year-old boxer privately communicated the decision to his family.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad,” his uncle said.
“Each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally… it’s too much trauma for us. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
When asked if Joshua had personally informed the family, he confirmed:
“Yes.”
The development follows a fatal accident near Lagos last week in which Joshua survived with minor injuries, while his strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele were killed after their SUV collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Joshua has pledged lifelong support to the families of the deceased, later breaking his silence on Instagram with photos of the bereaved relatives and the caption “My Brothers Keeper.”
A source from his camp told The Sun:
“AJ is fiercely loyal to his friends and their families and will be there for them for the rest of their lives.”
Joshua also attended an emotional funeral service at the London Central Mosque on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Kayode, has been charged with multiple offences including causing death by dangerous driving, according to the Ogun State Police. The case has been adjourned until January 20.
Joshua was in Nigeria on holiday following his December 19 knockout win over Jake Paul in Miami.
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