Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has informed his family he will retire from professional boxing in the wake of a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
Miraculous Escape from Tragedy
The shocking news follows a horrific incident last Monday, when the vehicle Joshua was travelling in was involved in a serious collision with a truck. While Joshua miraculously escaped with his life, the crash proved fatal for two of the boxer's friends, casting a shadow over his future in the sport.
Family's Emotional Relief at Retirement Decision
The revelation of Joshua's decision to hang up his gloves came from his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, in an interview with The Punch. He stated that the family supports the move, citing the immense emotional strain of watching him fight.
"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 Joshua explained.
He elaborated on the family's anxiety, saying, "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."
Leaving 'While the Ovation is Highest'
Joshua's uncle indicated that the boxer himself feels the time is right to step away, framing it as a positive conclusion to a glittering career. "Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy," Adedamola Joshua told the publication.
This decision comes after a period of resurgence for Joshua, who most recently secured a high-profile victory against YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul. The potential retirement marks a sudden and poignant end to the career of one of Britain's most celebrated sporting figures, driven not by sporting defeat but by profound personal tragedy.
The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from Joshua or his management team regarding his future, following this deeply personal family statement.
