Omotayo Fashola
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly contemplating stepping away from boxing, as revealed by his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, in an exclusive interview with The Punch.
Adedamola disclosed that the 36-year-old fighter, who recently survived a devastating car accident in Nigeria that took the lives of two close friends and team members, privately shared his retirement plans with family following the tragic incident.
“The biggest relief for us is his decision to retire. Every time he steps into the ring, it’s an emotional rollercoaster for the entire family,” Adedamola told The Punch during a visit to their Sagamu home.
“Seeing him knocked down feels like our hearts are being ripped out. The stress is overwhelming. Now that he’s choosing to bow out at his peak, we couldn’t be happier.”
When pressed on whether Joshua had formally informed his family, Adedamola responded,
“Yes, he has.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Joshua has pledged lifelong financial support to the families of his late friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who perished in the crash near Lagos.
Breaking his silence on Sunday, Joshua posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, sharing photos with the grieving families. His caption, “My Brothers Keeper,” was accompanied by heart and protective helmet emojis—a nod to a biblical passage emphasizing responsibility for others.
An insider from Joshua’s camp told The Sun,
“AJ’s loyalty knows no bounds. He’s committed to supporting Sina and Latz’s families forever. They were more than just coaches—they were family.”
Ghami served as Joshua’s strength coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer, both crucial to his training team.
The fatal accident occurred during a trip to Nigeria, where Joshua was visiting family. Their Lexus SUV collided with a parked truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, instantly killing Ghami and Ayodele. Joshua was rescued from the wreckage and hospitalized with minor injuries.
On Sunday, Joshua attended an emotional Janaza prayer service at London Central Mosque, where hundreds gathered to mourn. The coffins were later transported for cremation, followed by a wake.
Sagamu local Adeniji Taiwo expressed gratitude for Joshua’s survival while mourning the loss of his friends.
“We’re thankful our son is alive, and we pray God comforts those who lost theirs,” Taiwo said.
He encouraged Joshua to return home despite the trauma, adding,
“This is his roots. Bad things can happen anywhere, but Remo will always welcome him—he’s our pride.”
Adedamola dismissed rumors of Joshua distancing himself from Nigeria, stating,
“Emotions run high after such events, but faith guides us. This is his homeland, and that won’t change.”
Meanwhile, driver Adeniyi Kayode faces charges including reckless driving and operating without a valid license. His lawyer claimed brake failure caused the crash, adding that Joshua had initially sat in the front seat before switching for better visibility.
Joshua, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was vacationing in Nigeria after his December 19 victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
