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Anthony Joshua, the former world heavyweight champion, may retire from boxing following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends.
The 36-year-old boxer was involved in a crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun on January 1, 2026. Joshua escaped with minor injuries, but his team members and friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, died at the scene.
Their funerals were held at a London mosque on January 5, with Joshua attending to pay his final respects. He also shared a photo on social media with the families of his late friends, captioned: “My Brothers Keeper.”
Joshua fought just 10 days before the accident, knocking out Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, 2025. Since the crash, neither Joshua nor his promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, have made public statements about his future in the sport.
However, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, told Nigerian media outlet The Punch that the boxer is ready to retire.
“The major thing is that he has retired from boxing. We are glad because each time he fights, it takes an emotional toll on us,” Adedamola said.
Who Were Anthony Joshua’s Friends?
Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele was Joshua’s personal trainer and long-time friend, having worked with him since his first world title win over Charles Martin in 2016. He was a dedicated Muslim who shared a close bond with Joshua both inside and outside the gym. Just hours before the crash, he posted a video of him and Joshua enjoying a game of table tennis.
Sina Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for over a decade. He co-founded Evolve Gym in London and specialized in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and corrective exercise. Ghami supported Joshua through key moments in his career, including his 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium.
Adedamola explained that the decision to retire is Joshua’s way of stepping away while at the top.
“Each time he fights, it’s emotionally draining. Now that he has said he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy,” he said.
Before the tragedy, Joshua had hinted at a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, a fight long discussed but delayed for various reasons over the past five years.
