Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is using boxing as a source of healing following the tragic deaths of two close friends in a car accident in Nigeria late last year, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua was in Nigeria in December visiting his family roots when the accident occurred. While the British-Nigerian boxer survived with injuries, his childhood friend Latif Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami lost their lives in the crash. The heartbreaking incident raised concerns about Joshua’s future in boxing and forced him to step away from training temporarily.
However, Joshua has since returned to camp, and Hearn believes the gym has become a crucial part of the heavyweight star’s emotional recovery.
Speaking to SunSport in Egypt, Hearn described boxing as Joshua’s “safe place,” explaining that the fighter has channelled his grief and pain into intense preparation and training.
According to Hearn, Joshua remains deeply motivated by the memories of his late friends, dedicating his work in camp to them while trying to rebuild mentally and physically after the tragedy.
Joshua is currently in Egypt training alongside unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who is preparing to defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven this weekend.
Hearn revealed that the environment in Usyk’s training camp has had a major positive impact on Joshua, describing it as one of the best camps in the world. He added that Joshua looks fitter, more motivated, and more excited about his boxing future than ever before.
The promoter also disclosed that Joshua, who had previously considered 2026 as a possible retirement year, is now discussing extending his career for at least three more years due to his renewed passion for the sport.
Joshua is expected to make his return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga. A highly anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury is also reportedly being targeted for November after contracts for the fight were signed.
