Key Points

• Anthony Joshua may retire from boxing after losing two close friends in a car accident.

• He has pledged lifelong support to the families of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

• The driver involved has been charged with dangerous and reckless driving; court proceedings continue.

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering retiring from boxing after surviving a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members, according to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua.

The 36-year-old boxer made the decision known to his family privately following the accident, which occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway last week.

A Family Shaken

Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, Adedamola Joshua said the family supports Joshua’s decision to step away from boxing.

“Every time he fights, we are carried away emotionally. Watching him in the ring is trauma for us. Now that he has chosen to leave at a high point, we are relieved,” he said during a visit to the family home in Sagamu.

Joshua shared the decision with close relatives and has also committed to supporting the families of his two friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, who died in the crash.

Remembering His Team

Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele served as his personal trainer. Both men had travelled with Joshua to Nigeria to visit his family.

The Lexus SUV they were travelling in collided with a stationary truck. Joshua was trapped but survived with minor injuries, while Ghami and Ayodele were killed instantly.

Joshua expressed his grief publicly on Instagram, posting photos with the bereaved families and captioning the post: “My Brothers Keeper”, accompanied by two heart emojis and a military helmet symbol, referencing a biblical passage from Genesis 4:9.

A source close to Joshua told The Sun in the UK that he has always been fiercely loyal to his team and will support their families for life.

Paying Last Respects

Joshua attended the funeral service at London Central Mosque on Sunday. The Janaza prayers were performed for both men, whose coffins were placed side by side.

Hundreds of mourners gathered outside before the coffins were taken to a nearby crematorium, followed by a wake in the afternoon.

Residents of Sagamu expressed relief that Joshua survived. Adeniji Taiwo, a local resident, said:

“We thank God he is alive. This is his home, and we hope he continues to come back. We pray nothing like this happens again.”

Legal Proceedings

The Ogun State Police confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, and driving without a valid license.

Kayode appeared in Sagamu Magistrate Court, and the case has been adjourned until January 20.

Kayode’s lawyer told the press that his client pleaded not guilty and claimed the brakes failed. Reports also say Joshua had swapped seats with Ayodele during the journey.

Joshua’s Connection to Nigeria

Born in Watford to Nigerian parents, Joshua has always maintained close ties with his family in Nigeria.

Despite the tragedy, his uncle stressed that the boxer’s faith and roots remain strong.

“Emotionally, it’s hard after something like this, but Nigeria is still his home,” Adedamola Joshua said.

Joshua had been in Nigeria on holiday following his knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. The crash and its aftermath have brought both grief and reflection for the boxing star.