₦airaland Forum

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is considering retirement from boxing following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members.

Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, stated this, adding that the 36-year-old boxer communicated his decision privately to family members in the aftermath of the fatal crash, which occurred last week.

“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,” Adedamola told PUNCH during a visit to the family home in Sagamu on Monday morning.

When asked if Joshua had clearly informed the family of his decision to quit boxing, his uncle responded, “Yes.”

The accident resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua’s close associates, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

Family sources said the boxer has also committed himself to providing lifelong support to the families of the deceased.

Joshua attended an emotional funeral service for the two men at the London Central Mosque on Sunday.

The coffins were placed side by side as the Janaza, the Islamic funeral prayer, was conducted.

Hundreds of mourners gathered outside the mosque before the coffins were taken to a nearby crematorium, with a wake held later in the afternoon.

Reacting to the incident, a Sagamu indigene, Adeniji Taiwo, expressed gratitude that Joshua survived the crash while mourning the loss of the two men.

"We thank God we didn’t lose our son, and for those who lost their children, God will help us to comfort them,” Taiwo said.

“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."

“We feel bad that happened to our son, who was already almost home when he had the accident, but we thank God, and we pray nothing like that will happen to him again. There is nothing that can’t happen anywhere. God will continue to be with him, and all of us; no one in Remo wishes him evil, he is our glory.”

"There are a lot of things we have heard, but this is a Christian family, and everything we take with faith,” he added.

“Once something like that happens, emotionally, you can say anything, but as time goes on, you know this is (always) your root.”

The traffic accident involved world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, which occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

The Ogun State Police Command had in a statement signed by DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta, last week Monday confirmed the development.

The accident, which happened at about 11:00 am in Makun, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis, claimed the lives of two passengers, while the boxer sustained minor injuries.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said, "The Ogun State Police Command confirms that world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road traffic accident today, Monday, December 29, 2025, at about 11:00 am, in Makun, Ogun State. The incident occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, just before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis."

The police disclosed that the accident involved a Lexus SUV conveying the boxer and other occupants, adding that the circumstances surrounding the crash are now under investigation. According to the statement, "The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injurie."

He was also said to have been receiving medical attention."

While Anthony Joshua survived the crash, the police confirmed that two other passengers died at the scene. The command stated, "Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene.

Anthony Joshua's driver has been tried in court after he was accused of reckless driving, although he denied any wrongdoing and blamed brake failure for the incident.

TruthHurts1:
Nigeria truly happened to Anthony Joshua.

At the age of 18 in the year 2000, Kaka the Brazilian midfielder suffered a spinal fracture in a swimming pool accident that nearly paralyzed him. He made a full recovery, went on to win the 2002 World Cup, and later received the Ballon d'Or in 2007.

There are literally many examples from Formula 1 of drivers surviving high speed, high impact collisions and they still go on to have thriving careers and live normal lives.

In more advanced countries, athletes survive car crashes.

In Nigeria accidents end your career.

SeeWahala:
First of all Nigeria HAPPENED to AJ

NOW Nigeria has effectively FINISHED AJ

saphiere:
After sacrificing his friends he wants to retire? was that his agreement with the devil?

helinues:
May God heal you from the backward reasoning. Amen

TruthHurts1:
Nigeria truly happened to Anthony Joshua.

In more advanced countries, athletes survive car crashes.

In Nigeria accidents end your career.

TruthHurts1:
Nigeria truly happened to Anthony Joshua.

At the age of 18 in the year 2000, Kaka the Brazilian midfielder suffered a spinal fracture in a swimming pool accident that nearly paralyzed him. He made a full recovery, went on to win the 2002 World Cup, and later received the Ballon d'Or in 2007.

There are literally many examples from Formula 1 of drivers surviving high speed, high impact collisions and they still go on to have thriving careers and live normal lives.

In more advanced countries, athletes survive car crashes.

In Nigeria accidents end your career.

FalseProphet1:
I see Anthony Joshua becoming the next coach of Manchester United, I see Manchester united players becoming boxers on the pitch, I see them going to relegation, I see nairalanders blaming Nigerian for his failure in Manchester united.

This I have seen.

Originalsly:
Not surprised.... I expect him to. Besides being close friends ...those guys were most crucial in his training. Reminds me of Tyson ....when he lost his coach ...... Things Fall Apart.

Breaker001:
I clearly understand the emotions behind this decision, but why not fight on in memory of the close friends you lost. Consider something like fighting Tyson fury, and giving half or 2/3 of the purse to the family of your late friends 😎

saphiere:
It's facts. The hall of fame is messy