‘Mourning’ Joshua undecided  about  boxing future

Pays tributes to late friends

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has yet to decide on his boxing future following the tragic loss of two close friends in a fatal road accident in Nigeria.

Joshua was involved in the crash, which claimed the lives of Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, while he was left injured and rushed to hospital. The incident occurred while the boxer was on holiday in Nigeria, shortly after his victory over Jake Paul.

In an emotional Instagram post, Joshua paid tribute to the deceased, describing them as brothers.

 “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers,” Joshua posted on Instagram.

 “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.

“100 percent 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,” he added.

Though  there are growing speculation that the 36-year-old might retire from boxing, his promoter Eddie Hearn has urged patience, insisting it is too early to discuss Joshua’s career plans.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Hearn stressed that the focus should be on Joshua’s physical and emotional recovery.

 “This is a terrible tragedy and Anthony’s going to need his own time. At the moment, there’s nothing to discuss about his career,” Hearn said, calling for privacy and prayers for all affected families.

Joshua had been linked with a return to the ring in Saudi Arabia and a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year. Despite claims from a family member suggesting retirement was being considered, Joshua himself has not made any definitive decision.