Promoter Eddie Hear said former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will decide his boxing future “when the time is right” following a car crash in Nigeria that killed two members of Joshua’s team.
The 36-year-old Joshua sustained minor injuries in the Dec. 29 crash near Lagos, which claimed the lives of his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
Hearn said Joshua needs time to recover on multiple levels before making any decision about returning to the ring.
“He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually before he decides on his future,” Hearn said. “I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right.”
According to Nigerian Mirror, Joshua has since resumed light training and posted a Snapchat video of himself hitting pads with the caption “mental strength therapy,” signaling a gradual return to routine nearly three weeks after the crash.
Hearn stressed that Joshua’s well-being remains the priority.
“The only conversation is, ‘Are you OK?’” he said. “What happened to him is not normal and heartbreaking for all involved. When the time is right, I believe he will make his decision, and you will hear it from him. That is the only voice you should listen to.”
Joshua defeated Jake Paul in Miami on Dec. 19, 10 days before the crash, which occurred while he was on holiday in Nigeria.
