Anthony Joshua has made a swift return to the boxing gym less than three weeks after being involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria. The ex-two-time heavyweight world champion was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that crashed into a stationary truck on a major expressway near Lagos. Although Joshua sustained minor injuries, the collision resulted in the loss of two close friends and teammates, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, whose funerals were held in London on January 4.
Joshua, who had recently defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, spent some time receiving medical care before being discharged on New Year’s Eve. Speculation arose about his future in boxing, but the British boxer shared images on Snapchat showing him back in the gym, engaging in what he termed “mental strength therapy.” He was seen undergoing various exercises, including lower leg workouts, stationary biking, and swimming.
Despite reports suggesting Joshua’s retirement following the car crash, his uncle disclosed that the boxer had not made a final decision about quitting the sport. Furthermore, the driver involved in the accident, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was charged in court for his role in the crash. Joshua narrowly escaped a more severe fate as it was revealed that he had initially been seated in the front of the vehicle but later moved to the back at the driver’s request.
In a recent interview, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, emphasized that there have been no talks regarding Joshua’s boxing future and expressed the need for Joshua to have the time and space to recover emotionally and physically before making any decisions. Hearn acknowledged the challenges Joshua faces and assured that the boxer’s voice would be the ultimate authority in determining his future in the sport. The focus now is on Joshua’s well-being and allowing him the necessary time to heal before contemplating his return to boxing.