Anthony Joshua’s uncle has revealed the former world champion has told his family he plans to retire from boxing following the tragic car accident which claimed the lives of two of his close friends. Joshua’s personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami was killed in a car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria.
The British boxer emerged out of the wreckage but was released from hospital with what were described as ‘minor injuries’ but the full extent of what they were is still yet to be ascertained. Before the crash, Joshua knocked out former YouTuber Jake Paul in a lucrative fight in Miami, USA. He then called out long-term rival Tyson Fury, igniting hopes of the two former world heavyweight champions finally fighting. However, after surviving the crash, it now appears Joshua is set to walk away from the ring.
His uncle Adedamola Joshua recently told the Punch: “The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad.
“Each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally. 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. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
Joshua is yet to reveal whether he plans on continuing to box or whether he is going to hang his gloves up for good. He recently uploaded a picture of himself with the families of his two late friends, including the caption: “My Brothers Keeper” alongside some love heart emojis.
