Eddie Hearn has intensified speculation surrounding Anthony Joshua’s boxing future after strongly hinting that the former unified world heavyweight champion may step away from the sport in the wake of a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends.
In an interview with talkSPORT Boxing, Joshua’s long-time promoter refused to discuss any upcoming bouts or career plans, emphasizing that boxing is no longer a priority for the 36-year-old as he deals with the emotional and physical aftermath of the tragedy.
“He needs privacy and time right now, so there will be no statements about his career, next fights, or anything related to boxing,” Hearn said.
“He needs to heal, mentally and physically. There’s nothing to talk about at this point. Let him be. Let’s just pray for him and the families affected by this terrible incident.”
Although Hearn stopped short of confirming a retirement, his comments support claims made by members of Joshua’s family that a major decision has already been reached.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, revealed to The Punch that the two-time heavyweight champion has informed the family of his decision to retire from the ring.
“The most important thing is that he has retired from boxing,” Adedamola said during a visit to the family home in Sagamu.
“That alone gives us peace because any time he fights, we are overwhelmed emotionally. Whenever he gets knocked down, it feels like our hearts jump out of our chests. The trauma is too much. Now that he says he’s leaving at the peak of his career, we’re happy.”
When asked whether Joshua personally communicated the news, his uncle replied, “Yes.”
Naija News recalls that the retirement rumours follow the December 29 accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that killed Joshua’s close friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Joshua later shared an emotional tribute on 𝕏, reflecting on their impact on his life.
“Thank you for all the love and care you showed my brothers. I didn’t even know how special they are. I’d just be walking with them, joking with them, not knowing God placed me in the presence of great men,” he wrote.
“100% it’s tough for me, but tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
More insight into Joshua’s emotional state came from a now-deleted video posted by UFC fighter Kamaru Usman, showing the boxer recalling the crash while recovering from his injuries.
“Two of my close friends passed away,” Joshua said. “One was in the front and the other behind him on the right side. They both died. It still hasn’t sunk in. It hasn’t hit me yet.”
Police investigations revealed that the vehicle, a black Lexus SUV, was driven by 46-year-old Adeniyi Kayode when it collided with the rear of a stationary truck carrying soya beans. Joshua and Kayode survived without major injuries.
Kayode has since been charged in a Sagamu magistrate’s court with dangerous and reckless driving, driving without a licence, and causing death by negligence. He was granted bail set at ₦5 million, and the case was adjourned until January 20.
Latif Ayodele, known widely as Healthy Mindset, was a long-time friend of Joshua and one of his training partners, while Ghami was a familiar figure in Joshua’s gym setup and was part of his corner team during the December 19 victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
Joshua spent New Year’s Eve receiving medical care before returning to the UK. Funeral prayers for Ghami and Ayodele were held on January 4 at the London Central Mosque.
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