Anthony Joshua Returns to Training After Tragic Car Crash in Nigeria
British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has returned to the gym less than three weeks after a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close members of his team.
The 36-year-old former world champion suffered only minor physical injuries in the crash on 29 December near Lagos, but described the emotional toll as deeply painful.
Joshua shared clips on Snapchat showing himself hitting pads and training, with the caption “mental strength therapy” across one of the videos.
The accident claimed the lives of Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and trainer Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a stationary truck. Joshua was a passenger at the time.
The boxer had been in Nigeria on holiday following his 19 December win over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, just 10 days before the crash.
Last week, Joshua paid a heartfelt tribute to Ghami and Ayodele on Instagram, reflecting on their friendship and influence.
“I didn’t even realise how special they are,” he wrote. “I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.
“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said the former champion will take all the time he needs before making any decisions about his future in boxing.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said Joshua will need to recover “physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually” before thinking about a return to the ring.
“I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right,” Hearn said.
“It is certainly not a conversation I’ll be having with him any time soon. The only conversation is ‘are you OK?’”
Hearn added that the accident was “heartbreaking for all involved” and emphasised that Joshua must be given the space to grieve and heal.
“When the time is right, he will make his decision and you will hear it from him,” he said.
