Anthony Joshua is reportedly preparing to retire after his tragic car accident in Nigeria.
The former heavyweight champion has told those closest to him that he plans to retire from the ring after a devastating accident claimed the life of his trainer and best friend. According to relatives, the tragedy reshaped his outlook on life and competition.
The news came from his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, who said the decision came as a relief to the family after years of stress and stress watching Joshua compete at the highest levels of the sport.
He recently attended the funeral of two people at London’s Central Mosque, a moment that underlined the gravity of the tragedy. Later, Adedamola Joshua confirmed that his nephew had announced his decision.
“The most important thing is that he has retired from boxing,” he told PUNCH. “That’s one thing that makes us happy because every time he fights in the ring we always get emotional.
“Every time he gets knocked down, our hearts feel like they’re going to jump out of our chests.
“Every time he fights, all these emotions he feels, it’s too traumatic for us too. Now he says he’s leaving with the highest applause, and we’re happy.”
Joshua’s relatives added that the boxer believed now was the right time to leave after a 12-year career that saw him win multiple titles, gain global recognition and have historic nights in packed arenas.
Joshua last fought in December, when he defeated Jake Paul in a takedown that ultimately left Paul with a broken jaw in two places. The event also provides Joshua with a major payday, setting the stage for a busy 2026.
The Paul fight is seen as a strategic move to keep momentum going while bigger plans are being hammered out behind the scenes.
Those plans include a possible long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury, with a return expected in February or March. Joshua continues to rebuild after losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and is also exploring other options for a comeback fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly stated that Joshua still has ambitions to regain the world heavyweight title and would even be willing to fight Fabio Wardley if given the chance.
That all changed after a car accident in Nigeria last week.
Joshua suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized in Nigeria before returning to the UK. The accident claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and long-time team members Latif Ratz Ayodele and Sina Gami.
The loss sent shockwaves through Joshua’s inner circle, the boxing community and raised questions about his future in the world.
Whether the decision becomes permanent remains to be seen, but for now those closest to Joshua say the gloves are off and priorities have shifted.
