Anthony Joshua Plans Summer Boxing Comeback After Surviving Tragic Car Accident
Promoter Eddie Hearn has disclosed that former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua is targeting a return to professional boxing in the summer months. This announcement follows a harrowing car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of Joshua's closest friends and left the fighter himself narrowly avoiding death.
Details of the Devastating Crash and Its Aftermath
The tragic incident occurred near Lagos in late December, mere weeks after Joshua's knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami. Joshua's long-time strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif 'Latz' Ayodele both perished in the road traffic collision. Anthony Joshua was present in the vehicle but survived after changing seats just before the journey commenced. He spent New Year's in hospital before returning home, with many speculating about his future in the sport.
Eddie Hearn provided an update on Joshua's condition and future plans, stating, "He's going to come back, I believe, in late summer, but physically he's not yet in a position to return to camp. So, I'm planning, but he's just resting and preparing. I'm looking at options to get him back in the ring in July time."
Revised Fight Schedule and Future Opponents
Originally, Joshua was scheduled to fight in March with a highly anticipated bout against Tyson Fury planned for August. Hearn has confirmed that this timeline is no longer feasible. "That's not happening. He's not fighting Tyson Fury next," Hearn told BoxingScene. While the Fury fight is postponed, Hearn did not rule out the possibility entirely, suggesting it could occur later in the year or potentially in early 2027.
Hearn elaborated on the challenges, "Every fight's dangerous coming off what he has come off. We're open to the Tyson Fury fight, but probably that's more likely end of the year – maybe early 2027."
Tyson Fury's Reaction and Comeback Motivation
Tyson Fury, who is preparing to come out of retirement for a fifth time to face Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11, revealed that Joshua's accident influenced his decision to return to boxing. Fury was on holiday in Thailand when he learned of the tragedy.
"The biggest turning point in this comeback for me was the tragedy that happened with Anthony Joshua," Fury explained. "I hear all that bad news that's gone on and I thought, you know what, life is very short, very precious and very fragile. Anything could happen at any given moment and you should never put things off until tomorrow."
Fury emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, stating, "Tomorrow is a mystery, we have to live for today. And me living for that day, I made my mind up there and then that I'm going to come back to boxing - because it's something that I love, I'm passionate about and that I've always been in love with."
As Anthony Joshua continues his recovery and preparation, the boxing world awaits his official return to the ring, with a summer comeback now firmly on the horizon.
