Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua is reportedly considering retirement from professional boxing following a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close aides.
The development emerged on Monday in Sagamu, Ogun State, where Joshua privately informed family members of his intention to step away from the sport after the tragic incident.
Speaking after the incident, Adedamola Joshua, the boxer’s uncle, disclosed that the tragedy has deeply affected the former champion and reshaped his priorities.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” he said. “That alone gives us relief.”
He explained that Joshua’s boxing career had always been emotionally taxing for the family.
“Each time he is knocked down, it feels like our hearts are leaving our bodies. The trauma is too much,” he added.
Joshua, 36, survived the crash, which occurred last week along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, but lost his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and personal trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. The two men reportedly died instantly when the Lexus SUV conveying them collided with a stationary truck.
Emergency responders pulled Joshua from the wreckage, and he was treated for minor injuries.
According to family sources, the former champion personally communicated his decision to reconsider his boxing future following the tragedy and has pledged lifelong support to the families of the deceased.
On Sunday, Joshua broke his public silence by sharing photographs with the bereaved families on his verified Instagram page, captioned “My Brother’s Keeper,” accompanied by symbolic emojis signifying loyalty and protection.
Ghami and Ayodele were described as integral members of Joshua’s career, having worked closely with him for several years. They had travelled to Nigeria alongside the boxer for a family visit.
Joshua later attended an emotional funeral service at the London Central Mosque, where Janaza prayers were held for the deceased before a private cremation.
Residents of Sagamu expressed gratitude that the boxer survived the crash while mourning the loss of his companions.
“We thank God we did not lose our son,” said Adeniji Taiwo, a community indigene. “He is our pride.”
Addressing speculations that Joshua might distance himself from Nigeria following the incident, his uncle dismissed the claims.
“This is his root. Emotionally, people may speak, but home remains home,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Kayode, has been charged before the Sagamu Magistrate Court for causing death by dangerous driving and related offences. The case has been adjourned to January 20.
Joshua, who was born in Watford, England, to Nigerian parents, had been on holiday in Nigeria after recording a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
While it remains unclear whether the former champion will formally announce his retirement, family members say the tragic loss has profoundly altered his outlook on life and career.
