In a poignant display of solidarity within the boxing community, heavyweight contender Deontay Wilder has publicly extended heartfelt support to fellow fighter Anthony Joshua following a devastating personal tragedy. The emotional message was delivered during Wilder's media obligations ahead of his scheduled bout against Derek Chisora this April.
A Tragic Loss for Joshua
Anthony Joshua recently endured the heartbreaking loss of two close friends in a fatal car accident in Nigeria during late December. The victims, identified as Latif "Latz" Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both aged thirty-six, were integral members of Joshua's inner circle and considered his "left and right" by the British boxing superstar.
Joshua has spoken openly about the profound impact of their deaths, vowing to honor their memory by continuing his professional mission. "I'm gonna do what's right by them. I'm gonna do what's right by their family," Joshua declared, suggesting his boxing career would persist as a tribute to his fallen friends.
Wilder's Public Words of Encouragement
During his pre-fight media appearance, Wilder directly addressed Joshua's situation with compassionate words. "Stay encouraged Anthony Joshua. Keep your head up Anthony Joshua," Wilder told BBC Sport, acknowledging the difficulty of finding appropriate words during such grief.
"My words may not mean anything, you know, at this moment in time. Maybe later on [they will]," Wilder continued. "I don't know where he is mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually. But I know that I would advise him to stay strong, black man. Stay strong. As long as you can."
The American boxer emphasized the importance of community support during difficult times, urging Joshua to "surround yourself with loved ones, surround yourself with positive speaking, positive thinking." Wilder concluded with spiritual reassurance, stating, "know what you are in our prayers. You know, prayer changes things all the time."
The Boxing Family Bond
Wilder framed his support within the broader context of boxing camaraderie, describing the sport as an extended family unit. "And understand that a family [that] prays together stays together," he explained. "They stick up for each other, they provide for each other. And in this boxing business, we are all a family, you understand me?"
This public show of support comes as both fighters navigate critical career phases. Joshua last fought in December, securing a lucrative victory over Jake Paul in a Netflix-streamed bout, while Wilder prepares to face Derek Chisora on April 4th at London's O2 Arena.
Joshua's Determination to Continue
Despite his profound grief, Joshua has indicated he intends to continue his boxing career rather than retire. "The mission must go on... I understand my duty," he stated, framing his continued participation in the sport as honoring his deceased friends' legacy.
Meanwhile, Wilder approaches his upcoming fight with philosophical perspective, noting "God is an on-time guy" regarding the timing of his bout with Chisora. The match represents a career revival opportunity for Wilder after a potential fight with Oleksandr Usyk failed to materialize.
"We all have respect for each other," Wilder said of his relationship with Chisora. "I think it's going to bring us even more closer. I don't think either of us is bigger than the other. It takes two fighters to be great and do that they have to do."
