Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is considering retirement from boxing following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close members of his team, his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has revealed.
Adedamola said the 36-year-old boxer privately informed his family of the decision after surviving the crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway last week.
“He has said he’s leaving boxing while the ovation is highest, and we are relieved,” his uncle said, noting the emotional toll the sport has taken on the family over the years.
Joshua escaped the accident with minor injuries, but his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and personal trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, were killed instantly when their SUV collided with a stationary truck.
The boxer has pledged lifelong support to the families of the deceased and recently paid tribute to them in an emotional Instagram post captioned “My Brother’s Keeper.” He also attended their joint funeral in London on Sunday.
Joshua was in Nigeria visiting family after his December 19 knockout win over Jake Paul in Miami. Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle has been charged with dangerous driving, with the case adjourned until January 20.
