Anthony Joshua Finds Strength In Boxing After Friends’ Tragic Deaths — Hearn

Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that boxing has become a place of healing for former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua following the devastating loss of two close friends in a car accident in Nigeria last December.

Joshua survived the crash with injuries while childhood friend Latif Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami tragically lost their lives during the visit to Nigeria, the homeland of the boxer’s parents.

The heartbreaking incident reportedly left serious uncertainty over Joshua’s future in the ring and forced him away from training for a period as he dealt with grief.

Speaking to SunSport from Egypt, Hearn said the gym has become Joshua’s “safe place” during one of the most difficult moments of his life.

“This is his place where he can concentrate his mind,” Hearn said. “AJ is a very determined individual, and a lot of the grief and pain he carries, he’s focusing it into his training.”

According to Hearn, much of Joshua’s renewed motivation is driven by the memory of his late friends.

“A lot of what he does is dedicated towards his friends and his brothers in Sina and Latz. There’ll always be pain in his heart, but he’s focused on what they all used to do together — train hard and work hard,” he added.

Joshua is currently in Egypt supporting reigning heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk ahead of his WBC title defence against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. Hearn revealed that training alongside Usyk has reignited Joshua’s passion and confidence.

“I’ve never seen him like this,” Hearn said. “He’s enjoying training, improving, fitter than ever, and most importantly, motivated and excited about the future.”

The promoter disclosed that Joshua, who had once considered 2026 as a possible retirement year, is now discussing extending his career for another three years.

Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 in Riyadh against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in his first fight since the tragic accident. A blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury is also reportedly being lined up for November.