Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering retiring from boxing following a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and long-time team members on December 29, 2025.
According to The Punch, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, revealed the development in an exclusive interview with the newspaper during a visit to the family’s home in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Monday.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally,” Adedamola said.
“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest. All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
When asked if Joshua had officially communicated the decision to his family, he replied, “Yes.”
The 36-year-old boxer reportedly made the decision after the tragic incident last week in which his conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, died on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Joshua, who survived the crash with minor injuries, has promised to support the families of his late friends.
He broke his public silence on Sunday with an emotional Instagram post featuring photos with the bereaved relatives, captioned “My Brothers Keeper”, accompanied by two heart emojis and a military helmet symbol, a gesture interpreted as one of remembrance and protection.
The phrase, drawn from Genesis 4:9, underscores a moral duty to care for others.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has charged the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Kayode, with causing death by dangerous driving and related offences. The case, which Kayode has denied, has been adjourned until January 20.
Joshua, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, had been on holiday in Nigeria after his December 19 knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
