Anthony Joshua has made a comeback to the boxing gym nearly three weeks after a tragic car accident in Nigeria. The former two-time heavyweight champion was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck near Lagos, resulting in the loss of two of his close friends and teammates, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Their funerals took place in London on January 4.
During his visit to Nigeria for a holiday and family time, Joshua had recently defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. After receiving treatment in the hospital and being discharged on New Year’s Eve, he posted pictures on Snapchat showing him working out in the gym for what he called “mental strength therapy.” Videos also revealed him engaging in various exercises and training routines.
Despite reports suggesting Joshua’s retirement following the car crash, Mirror Fighting reports that Joshua has not yet made a decision on his future in boxing. The driver involved in the accident has been charged, and it was revealed that Joshua narrowly avoided a more severe outcome by switching seats in the vehicle before the crash.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, emphasized that no discussions about Joshua’s fighting future are currently happening, and he stressed the importance of giving Joshua the time and space to recover emotionally and physically before making any decisions. Hearn expressed confidence that Joshua will eventually make his own announcement about his future in the sport.