Eddie Hearn has admitted he questioned whether Anthony Joshua would ever return to boxing after the heavyweight champion was 'seriously damaged' in a car crash in Nigeria five months ago. The accident, which occurred in December, killed two of Joshua's close friends and left him hospitalised with minor injuries.
Speaking at a press conference for Joshua's upcoming bout against Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia, Hearn revealed the extent of Joshua's physical and emotional struggles. 'Physically, he was seriously damaged in that accident,' Hearn said. 'Mentally and emotionally, you can only imagine what was going through his mind.'
Joshua's personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, both died at the scene. Hearn noted that Joshua had to undergo three months of rehabilitation before even starting training camp. 'I didn't know physically if he would ever return to boxing. Mentally is a different thing,' he added.
The promoter also spoke about Joshua's renewed purpose, saying the tragedy has made him more dangerous. 'He's come back with this driving force to support the families and to continue the legacy of his friends,' Hearn said.
Joshua's bout with Prenga is part of his preparation for a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury. Meanwhile, the driver involved in the crash, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, faces charges including causing death by dangerous driving and could face life in prison.
