Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering retirement from professional boxing, a decision confirmed by his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent. The 36-year-old pugilist’s contemplation of leaving the sport comes in the wake of a tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and trusted team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. The accident, which occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has left Joshua and his family deeply shaken, prompting reflections on life, legacy, and the emotional toll of his boxing career.
Speaking from the family home in Sagamu, Adedamola Joshua revealed that Anthony had made his intentions known to family members privately. “The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally,” the uncle said. He described the stress and trauma the family experiences during Joshua’s bouts, noting that every knockdown or setback in the ring is felt acutely. “All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy,” he added.
Adedamola confirmed that Joshua had communicated his decision directly to family members. This personal decision, coming shortly after the devastating accident, underscores the boxer’s desire to prioritize his well-being and the emotional safety of his loved ones. While the world watched his fights with admiration, the family often bore the weight of fear and anxiety behind the scenes, a reality that now factors heavily into Joshua’s contemplation of retirement.
In addition to considering stepping away from the sport, Joshua has committed to supporting the families of Ghami and Ayodele for life. “AJ is fiercely loyal to his friends and their families and will be there for them for the rest of their lives,” a source within Joshua’s camp told UK publication The Sun. “He’s had the same team around him for his whole career, and that team included Sina and Latz.” The commitment reflects Joshua’s enduring bond with his team and the central role they played in both his professional and personal life.
Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele worked as his personal trainer, making both men integral to his boxing preparations and overall career trajectory. Their contributions went beyond routine training, fostering a close-knit environment that Joshua relied on for guidance, motivation, and camaraderie. Their loss, therefore, resonates not only as a personal tragedy but also as a profound professional void in Joshua’s camp.
Joshua publicly marked the loss with a poignant Instagram post on Sunday, sharing photographs of himself with members of the bereaved families. The post carried the caption “My Brother’s Keeper,” accompanied by two heart emojis and a military helmet symbol representing protection. The phrase, rooted in Genesis 4:9, reflects a moral and spiritual commitment to care for others and underscores the boxer’s resolve to honor his late friends’ legacies. The tribute has been widely interpreted as a message of loyalty, responsibility, and love.
The fatal accident occurred when the black Lexus SUV carrying Joshua, Ghami, and Ayodele collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. While Ghami and Ayodele died at the scene, Joshua survived with minor injuries, thanks in part to a last-minute change of seats. Reports indicate that Joshua initially sat in the front of the vehicle but moved to the back at the driver’s request, as his size obstructed the driver’s view of the wing mirror. Ghami and Ayodele then occupied the front seats, a decision that tragically cost them their lives.
Joshua had been on holiday in Nigeria following his victory over Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami, arriving with his team to spend time with family during the festive season. The tragedy struck just hours after their arrival, casting a shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory period. Rescue teams had to extract Joshua from the wreckage, and he was promptly transported to the hospital, where doctors confirmed he sustained only minor injuries.
Following the accident, Joshua flew to London to attend the funeral service for his friends. The Janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer, was held at the London Central Mosque on Sunday, where Joshua joined other mourners to pay their respects. Hundreds of members of the public gathered outside the mosque as the coffins of Ghami and Ayodele were positioned side by side for the prayers, highlighting the scale of the tragedy and the respect commanded by the deceased. The funeral service was followed by a wake in the afternoon, attended by family, friends, and well-wishers.
Local community members in Sagamu expressed both relief and sorrow at the incident. Adeniji Taiwo, a resident, remarked, “We thank God we didn’t lose our son, and for those who lost their children, God will help us to comfort them. I believe the fear will be there for him not to come back home, but I will advise him to come back home because he can’t leave his father’s place. This is his home.” His sentiments encapsulate the mix of grief, gratitude, and hope that has permeated Joshua’s hometown community.
Addressing concerns about Joshua’s continued relationship with Nigeria after the tragedy, his uncle noted that the family remains grounded in faith. “There are a lot of things we have heard, but this is a Christian family, and everything we take with faith. Once something like that happens, emotionally, you can say anything, but as time goes on, you know this is always your root,” he said. The statement reflects a resilience and enduring connection to home despite the traumatic experience.
On the legal front, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Kayode, had been charged in connection with the accident at the Sagamu Magistrate Court. He faces multiple charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The case has been adjourned until January 20, allowing the legal process to proceed amid continuing investigations.
Kayode’s lawyer told the Daily Mail that his client pleaded not guilty, asserting that the accident resulted from brake failure. The lawyer also confirmed that the journey began in Lagos and that the seating adjustments within the vehicle, including Joshua moving to the back seat, inadvertently saved the boxer’s life while tragically placing his friends in harm’s way. The explanation provides important context to the sequence of events and the survivor’s perspective.
The aftermath of the crash has left Joshua contemplating the risks inherent in boxing and in life, as well as the value of family, loyalty, and personal safety. The emotional impact on his relatives, combined with the trauma of losing trusted friends, has influenced his decision to potentially step away from the sport. As his uncle emphasized, this choice is met with understanding and support, as the family prioritizes emotional well-being over the continued pressures of professional competition.