Details Emerge as Anthony Joshua Set to Retire From Boxing After Tragic Car Crash

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering a permanent retirement from professional boxing following a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his inner team. The development has introduced a profound personal dimension to the future of one of boxing’s most recognisable figures.

 

According to family sources, the 36-year-old boxer has already communicated his intention to step away from the sport to close relatives, citing the emotional toll of recent events and long-standing concerns about the risks associated with elite-level boxing.

 

Ejes Gist News reports that the decision follows a period of intense reflection after the crash, which occurred during a private visit to Nigeria.

Deadly Accident During Visit to Nigeria

The incident took place on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major transport corridor in southwestern Nigeria. Joshua was travelling with close associates when their vehicle reportedly collided with a stationary truck. Two members of his long-standing boxing team, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, died at the scene.

Joshua survived the crash and was taken to hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries before being discharged. The deaths of Ghami and Ayodele, both regarded as integral to Joshua’s professional and personal life, have been described by those close to the boxer as devastating.

The trio were said to be in Nigeria on a personal visit to see family members when the accident occurred.

Impact on Joshua’s Career Outlook

Family members say the tragedy has prompted Joshua to reassess his priorities and future in boxing. His uncle, Adedamola Joshua, confirmed that discussions about retirement have taken place within the family.

He explained that the decision has been met with a sense of relief among relatives who have long struggled with anxiety during Joshua’s fights.

“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” he said. “That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally.”

He added that watching Joshua compete had become increasingly distressing for the family over the years.

“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest. All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us also,” he said.

When asked whether the boxer personally communicated the decision, his uncle responded in the affirmative.

Loss of Trusted Team Members

Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele were not merely staff members but central figures in Joshua’s boxing setup. Ghami served as his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele worked closely with him as a personal trainer. Both men had been part of Joshua’s professional journey for several years.

Sources familiar with the camp describe the relationship between the trio as one built on loyalty and mutual trust. Their deaths have left a significant void, both operationally and emotionally, within Joshua’s support structure.

In the days following the accident, Joshua publicly acknowledged the loss, sharing photographs with the bereaved families and posting the words “My Brother’s Keeper.” The message was widely interpreted as a pledge of long-term responsibility and support.

Commitment to Bereaved Families

Beyond discussions about retirement, Joshua has reportedly committed to providing sustained assistance to the families of Ghami and Ayodele. Individuals close to the boxer say this support will extend beyond immediate funeral arrangements and reflect his belief in collective responsibility.

The boxer’s public message, rooted in a biblical reference, underscored this stance and drew attention to the depth of the personal bonds involved.

Funeral and Public Mourning

A funeral service for the two men was later held in London, drawing a large crowd of mourners from the boxing community and beyond. During the service, the coffins of Ghami and Ayodele were placed side by side, reflecting their close association in life and work.

A wake followed later in the day, with tributes highlighting their contributions to Joshua’s career and their roles within the wider boxing fraternity.

 

Also Read: Anthony Joshua Involved in Ogun Road Crash as Police Confirm Two Dead

 

Back in Sagamu, Ogun State, where Joshua has familial ties, residents expressed mixed emotions. While there was relief that the boxer survived the accident, the loss of the two men was widely mourned. Community members described Joshua as a figure of pride with strong links to the area.

Family Reflections and Ties to Nigeria

In the aftermath of the tragedy, questions have emerged about Joshua’s relationship with Nigeria and whether the incident might affect his connection to the country. His uncle addressed these concerns, emphasising faith, perspective, and enduring roots.

“There are a lot of things we have heard, but this is a Christian family, and everything we take with faith,” he said. “Once something like that happens, emotionally, you can say anything, but as time goes on, you know this is your root.”

The remarks suggest that, despite the trauma, Joshua’s familial and cultural ties to Nigeria remain intact.

Legal Proceedings Following the Crash

Authorities have confirmed that the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident has been charged in court. The charges relate to dangerous and negligent driving, according to officials familiar with the case. Legal proceedings have been adjourned to a later date as investigations continue.

No further details have been released publicly about the circumstances surrounding the stationary truck involved in the collision.

Anthony Joshua’s Boxing Legacy

Joshua, born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, rose to global prominence as a unified heavyweight champion and one of the most commercially successful boxers of his generation. Known for his athleticism and discipline, he has held multiple world titles and headlined major international events.

He was in Nigeria following a recent fight victory abroad, taking time away from competition when the accident occurred. While speculation about retirement has followed him at various points in his career, the current reports mark the most serious indication yet that he may be preparing to step away permanently.

Uncertain Road Ahead

What ultimately lies ahead for Anthony Joshua remains unclear. While family voices suggest that retirement is imminent, no official announcement has been made by the boxer or his management team at the time of reporting.

 

For now, attention remains focused on the personal cost of the tragedy and its implications for a career that has spanned more than a decade at the highest level of professional boxing.