Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is facing a personal tragedy that has thrown his immediate boxing future into serious doubt, with a blockbuster showdown against Tyson Fury hanging in the balance.
A Life-Altering Tragedy
Instead of preparing for a career-defining bout, Joshua is mourning the devastating loss of two of his closest friends following a traumatic road accident. The incident, which occurred as he travelled from an event in Miami, has irrevocably changed the course of his life.
The fatal collision was caused by a random puncture, which forced the vehicle into a lorry that was parked illegally. The two passengers, described as pivotal figures in Joshua's inner circle, lost their lives. In a cruel twist of fate, Joshua and his driver escaped with only minor injuries.
Boxing legend and columnist Barry McGuigan, writing on January 2, 2026, emphasised the profound psychological impact. "The random nature of events make the whole thing almost impossible to deal with," he stated, noting that a difference of a mere second could have altered the outcome entirely.
The Fight for Focus: Fury Bout on Hold
The central question now is how this profound grief will affect Joshua's career. There is immense global demand for the long-awaited heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, a fight that would define an era.
However, McGuigan insists the sporting calendar must yield to human need. "He will need time to get over this, but as a professional athlete, time is the one commodity he does not have," he wrote. "He may not have the will for that anymore. That's a question only he can answer." The column calls for the boxer to be given the necessary space to process his trauma before any decision on the mega-fight is made.
Boxing's Schedule Marches On
While Joshua's world has paused, the sport of boxing continues. McGuigan highlights a packed January schedule, starting with rising British star Moses Itauma challenging for a world title against Jermaine Franklin in Manchester on January 10.
Later in the month, a stellar card at New York's Madison Square Garden on January 31 features Teofimo Lopez versus Shakur Stevenson, alongside a key super-lightweight contest between Keyshawn Davis and Jermaine Ortiz. These bouts are of keen interest to Britain's own Adam Azim, who is tipped for a world title in 2026.
McGuigan concluded by extending New Year wishes and a message of solidarity: "They have the love and support of all in boxing at this awful time. I hope they gain strength from that." The focus now remains on Anthony Joshua's wellbeing, with the future of one of boxing's biggest fights dependent on his recovery.
