Anthony Joshua Set To Quit Boxing After Deadly Lagos-Ibadan Crash That Killed Two Closest Aides

Abeokuta, Ogun State– Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua may have fought his last professional bout, as grief and trauma from a fatal road accident in Nigeria push the British-Nigerian boxing star toward retirement.

Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has disclosed that the 36-year-old boxer has privately informed his family of his decision to step away from boxing following a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of two of his closest associates.

Punch reports that during a visit to the family house in Sagamu, Ogun State, Adedamola said the announcement came as a relief to relatives who have endured years of emotional distress watching Joshua compete at the highest level of a brutal sport.

“He has retired from boxing. That is what he told us, and honestly, we are glad,” he said.

“Any time he entered the ring, we were always emotionally disturbed. Each knockdown felt like our hearts were coming out. The trauma was too much for us.”

According to him, Joshua believes the time has come to “leave while the ovation is highest,” a sentiment he personally communicated to the family.

When asked if the former heavyweight champion spoke directly to them about the decision, the response was unequivocal: “Yes.”

The development follows a shocking accident last Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and members of his team slammed into a stationary truck.

The crash claimed the lives of two key figures in Joshua’s camp — Sina Ghami, his long-time strength and conditioning coach, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, his personal trainer. Both men had worked closely with the boxer for years and were widely regarded as part of his inner family circle.

Joshua reportedly survived the collision with minor injuries after rescue workers pulled him from the mangled vehicle and rushed him to a nearby hospital.

In the days after the tragedy, the boxer has pledged lifelong support to the families of the deceased.

He broke his silence on Sunday with an emotional Instagram post showing him alongside the bereaved families, captioned simply: “My Brother’s Keeper.”

While Joshua has yet to make a formal public announcement on his boxing future, his uncle’s comments suggest that one of the sport’s most recognisable heavyweights may be preparing to walk away — not because of defeat in the ring, but because of loss on the road.