Omotayo Fashola
Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight champion, has publicly backed Anthony Joshua to make a triumphant return to boxing after the devastating loss of two close friends in a tragic car accident.
The British-Nigerian fighter was involved in a fatal collision last month while traveling on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, resulting in the deaths of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami—key members of Joshua’s inner circle.
Usyk, who defeated Joshua in their 2021 and 2022 bouts, revealed he recently spoke with his former rival and sensed a strong determination in his voice to continue fighting. The Ukrainian champion shared his own experience of loss, recalling how the mother of a fallen comrade urged him to carry on, saying her son would be proud.
Joshua’s future in the ring had been uncertain following the tragedy, with speculation that he might step away from the sport. However, Usyk remains confident that Joshua will return, driven by the memory of his friends and the second chance at life he’s been given.
Promoter Eddie Hearn acknowledged that Joshua needs time to heal before making any decisions about his career. In a recent interview, Hearn emphasized that the focus should be on Joshua’s well-being rather than rushing him back into competition.
Despite the setback, Joshua has already begun training again, sharing a clip from Dubai with the caption: ‘Mental strength therapy.’ Fans and fellow fighters alike are rallying behind him, hopeful for his eventual comeback.
