Heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua is reportedly weighing up retirement following a tragic road accident in Nigeria. The 36-year-old British boxer of Nigerian descent narrowly escaped death after a crash that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members.
Joshua sustained only minor injuries after being rescued from a wrecked Lexus SUV. The accident occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when their vehicle slammed into a stationary lorry.
Tragically, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, died at the scene. The group had been travelling to visit Joshua’s family for the New Year when the fatal crash occurred.
Speaking to Nigerian media, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, revealed that the boxer has decided to step away from the sport. He said the family had already been informed of Joshua’s intention to retire, noting the emotional toll boxing has taken on them over the years.
“Each time he steps into the ring, we are emotionally shaken,” his uncle Adedamola told Nigerian outlet The Punch. “When he gets knocked down, it feels like our hearts are being ripped out.”
According to reports, the family is relieved that Joshua is choosing to walk away from boxing while still at the peak of his career, believing they have endured enough trauma watching him compete.
