Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed his expectation that heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua will step back into the ring, despite the tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. However, Hearn has issued a cautious warning to fans, emphasising that there are no absolute guarantees regarding Joshua's fighting future following the devastating incident.
The Tragic Incident and Its Aftermath
On 29 December, Anthony Joshua was injured in a severe car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Nigeria. The accident resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, both of whom had been integral members of Joshua's team throughout the majority of his professional career. The loss of these two close friends has understandably cast significant doubt over whether the 36-year-old former two-time world champion will continue his boxing journey.
Joshua's Emotional Response and Return to Training
In the weeks following the tragedy, Joshua attended the funerals of Ghami and Ayodele before posting an emotional video message to his supporters. While he did not directly address his future in the sport during that communication, he did return to the gym just two weeks after the crash, indicating a potential desire to resume his athletic pursuits.
Eddie Hearn, the head of Matchroom Boxing, has been fielding numerous questions about Joshua's plans. In a recent interview with First Round TV, Hearn provided insight into the boxer's current mindset and physical condition.
Hearn's Candid Assessment
"I don't think there are any guarantees he fights again, but at the same time, I expect him to because it is something that he loves," Hearn stated. "And it is something he can carry those guys with him through as well, and it is something he wants to do."
Hearn also highlighted the physical toll of the accident, noting that many people may not fully comprehend the extent of Joshua's injuries. "From a boxing sense, physically it wasn't easy what he went through either. People probably don't realise the extent of that," he explained.
Regarding Joshua's training regimen, Hearn confirmed that while the boxer has been engaging in some physical activity, he is not yet prepared for a full return to boxing-specific training. "He has been training, but he is not ready yet and won't be for a while to return to [full] boxing training," Hearn revealed.
Impact on Future Fights and the Tyson Fury Showdown
Prior to the tragic event, plans were firmly in place for Joshua to fight in March, with the ultimate goal of setting up a long-awaited domestic clash against fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury. Those plans have now been drastically altered.
"Before this terrible incident, we were geared up to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury. Obviously that is not happening now, and I don't know if it will ever happen right now," Hearn admitted.
He did, however, offer a glimpse of hope for Joshua's gradual return to the sport. "But I think in the next few weeks and month, he may start to return and just turn the dial up a little bit more on training, and see where he is at."
Context of Joshua's Recent Career
The car crash occurred just ten days after Joshua's victory over Jake Paul in Miami, where he stopped the YouTuber-turned-boxer in six rounds, breaking Paul's jaw. This win served as a bounce-back from Joshua's knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024.
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury is scheduled to emerge from his fifth career retirement in April, facing Russia's Arslanbek Makhmudov at a location in the UK. The potential blockbuster fight between Fury and Joshua, once a central focus of the heavyweight division, now remains uncertain as Joshua navigates his personal recovery and contemplates his future in the ring.
