Anthony Joshua Set to Retire from Boxing After Fatal Crash — Family
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is considering retiring from boxing following a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, disclosed this, saying the 36-year-old boxer privately communicated his decision to family members in the aftermath of the crash, which occurred last week.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” Adedamola told PUNCH during a visit to the family home in Sagamu on Monday morning.
“That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally,” he added.
When asked if Joshua had clearly informed the family of his decision to quit boxing, his uncle responded, “Yes.”
The accident resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua’s close associates, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Family sources said the boxer has also committed himself to providing lifelong support to the families of the deceased.
Joshua attended an emotional funeral service for the two men at the London Central Mosque on Sunday.
The coffins were placed side by side as the Janaza, the Islamic funeral prayer, was conducted.
Hundreds of mourners gathered outside the mosque before the coffins were taken to a nearby crematorium, with a wake held later in the afternoon.
Reacting to the incident, a Sagamu indigene, Adeniji Taiwo, expressed gratitude that Joshua survived the crash while mourning the loss of the two men.
“We thank God we didn’t lose our son, and for those who lost their children, God will help us to comfort them,” Taiwo said.
“I believe the fear will be there for him not to come back home, but I will advise him to come back home because he can’t leave his father’s place,” he added.
“This is his home.”
“We feel bad that happened to our son, who was already almost home when he had the accident, but we thank God, and we pray nothing like that will happen to him again,” Taiwo said.
“There is nothing that can’t happen anywhere,” he added.
“God will continue to be with him, and all of us; no one in Remo wishes him evil, he is our glory.”
“There are a lot of things we have heard, but this is a Christian family, and everything we take with faith,” he said.
“Once something like that happens, emotionally, you can say anything, but as time goes on, you know this is always your root,” Taiwo added.
The traffic accident involving the world-renowned boxer occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
The accident occurred at about 11:00 am in Makun, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.
It involved a Lexus SUV conveying the boxer and other occupants.
The crash claimed the lives of two passengers, while Joshua sustained minor injuries.
Confirming the incident, the command said, “The Ogun State Police Command confirms that world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road traffic accident today, Monday, December 29, 2025, at about 11:00 am, in Makun, Ogun State.”
“The incident occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, just before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis,” the statement added.
Police said the circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation.
According to the statement, “The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated.”
“He was seated in the rear of the vehicle and sustained minor injuries,” the command said.
“He has been receiving medical attention,” it added.
While confirming Joshua’s survival, the police said two other passengers died at the scene.
“Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene,” the statement said.
The police also disclosed that Joshua’s driver has been tried in court after being accused of reckless driving.
The driver, however, denied the allegation and blamed brake failure for the incident.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
