Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is seriously considering retirement from boxing. This life-altering decision follows a fatal car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest associates.
According to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, the 36-year-old fighter shared his thoughts privately with his family following the tragedy. While the sports world awaits a public statement, the family has expressed a profound sense of relief at the prospect of him stepping away from the ring.
Family Expresses Relief Amidst Grief
The emotional toll of Joshua’s career has weighed heavily on his relatives for years. Specifically, his uncle noted that the family often felt overwhelmed during his high-stakes matches.
“Every time he stepped into the ring, we were carried away emotionally,” Adedamola stated. “Now that he is mulling retirement while at his peak, we are happy. It ends the trauma we feel whenever he faces a knockout.”
Details of the Fatal Accident
The tragedy occurred last week on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. A Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team collided with a stationary truck. While Joshua was extracted from the wreckage with minor injuries, two key members of his camp were killed instantly:
- Sina Ghami: Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach.
- Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele: Joshua’s personal trainer.
In response to the loss, Joshua has pledged to provide lifelong financial support to the families of both men. On Sunday, he broke his silence on social media with a tribute captioned “My Brothers Keeper,” highlighting his moral obligation to protect his team.
Legal Charges and Brake Failure Claims
The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Kayode, currently faces several charges in a Sagamu court. These include causing death by dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without a valid license.
However, the defense maintains that the crash was a mechanical accident. The driver’s lawyer suggested that the brakes failed during the journey. Furthermore, it was revealed that Joshua had swapped seats just before the crash to help the driver see the wing mirrors more clearly—a move that likely saved his life.
The End of a Boxing Era?
If Joshua chooses to retire, his final professional victory will be his December 2025 knockout of Jake Paul in Miami. While the community in Sagamu continues to mourn the lost lives, they are celebrating the survival of the man they call their “glory.”
The court case regarding the accident is scheduled to resume on January 20, 2026.
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