Omotayo Fashola
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has emphasized that Anthony Joshua alone will determine when he steps back into the ring following the devastating accident that shook him both physically and emotionally.
Joshua suffered injuries in the December 29 crash while returning from a holiday in Nigeria—his parents’ homeland—after his dominant sixth-round knockout win against Jake Paul in Miami earlier that month.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Hearn stressed that Joshua’s recovery—mental, physical, and emotional—must take precedence over any career decisions.
“He needs time to heal in every sense before even thinking about boxing again. I’m confident he’ll return, but only when he feels truly ready,” Hearn stated.
The promoter urged the public to respect Joshua’s privacy, adding that no career-related discussions should overshadow his wellbeing.
“Right now, the only question that matters is ‘How are you coping?’ This was an unimaginable tragedy. When he’s ready, he’ll speak, and that’s the only voice people should listen to,” Hearn remarked.
