Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has shown a clear 'desire' to continue his professional boxing career despite the devastating loss of two close friends in a car accident, according to his rival Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk's Heartfelt Conversation with a Grieving Rival
Ukrainian champion Usyk, who defeated Joshua in their 2021 and 2022 title fights, has spoken to the British boxer since the tragic incident in Nigeria. He believes the 36-year-old will not retire from the sport. Joshua lost friends and key team members Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the crash, leading to speculation about his future in the ring.
In an interview with Ready to Fight, Usyk shared details of their emotional discussion. "I've already spoken with him [Joshua]," Usyk said. "I heard a desire to continue in his voice – for the friends he lost and for the chance to live that the Lord gave him."
Usyk drew a parallel with his own experience of loss, recounting a conversation with the mother of a fallen comrade. "She told me: 'Oleksandr, he would be very proud that you are continuing your work; he will watch you from heaven.' And he, I think, does that. And not just him, but all my loved ones who passed away defending our country. They are my guardian angels who help me in the ring."
Future Plans and Emotional Recovery
Plans for a potential blockbuster showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury this year are now on hold. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has indicated the fighter may need a significant break before deciding his next move.
Hearn told Sky Sports: "He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, before he makes a decision on his future. I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right."
He emphasised the sensitivity of the situation, adding: "It is certainly not a conversation I’ll be having with him any time soon. The only conversation is, 'Are you OK?' And sometimes we find people will give that facade of being OK, but what happened to him is not normal and heartbreaking for all involved."
Joshua's Tribute and Return to Training
Despite the profound grief, Joshua has recently returned to boxing training. He posted a video from a session in Dubai, captioning it: "Mental strength therapy."
The former two-time world champion also paid a moving tribute to his friends on Instagram. "Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers," he wrote. "I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men."
He acknowledged the depth of the tragedy, stating: "100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers."
Joshua miraculously survived the crash, as did the 47-year-old driver of the car. Nigerian authorities have charged the driver with reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver's licence.
