Nigerian-born British boxing champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly contemplating an end to his illustrious boxing career following a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the sports world and prompted a profound personal reflection for the former heavyweight titleholder.
The Tragic Accident and Its Aftermath
The life-altering event occurred on December 29, 2025, along a major roadway in Ogun State. Joshua was traveling with his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele, when their vehicle collided with a stationary truck. The impact proved fatal for Ghami and Ayodele, both integral pillars of Joshua's boxing camp and his personal life.
Anthony Joshua himself sustained minor injuries in the crash. In a detail highlighting emergency response challenges, he was transported to a nearby hospital in a police vehicle, as an ambulance was not immediately available at the scene of the accident.
Family Confirms Retirement Considerations
In an exclusive interview with The Punch newspaper, the boxer's uncle, Adedamola Joshua, disclosed that Anthony has communicated his potential retirement plans to his family. According to his uncle, the family has received this news with a sense of relief amidst their grief.
"The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally," Adedamola stated. He elaborated on the immense emotional toll the family endures during Joshua's bouts, describing the experience as traumatic. "Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest... Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy."
A Time for Mourning and Reflection
The boxing world joined Anthony Joshua in mourning as his two friends were laid to rest. The funeral service was held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in London, with Joshua in attendance. Videos from the solemn ceremony circulated on social media, where many observers noted the boxer's subdued and grief-stricken demeanor, prompting an outpouring of support and prayers from fans worldwide.
In a particularly poignant moment, the father of the late Kevin Latif Ayodele shared a video from the burial reception, offering a glimpse into the gathering of mourners paying their final respects. The losses of Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele represent a double blow, not just to Joshua's professional team but to his inner circle, making the period one of deep personal and professional reckoning for the champion.
While no official statement has been released by Anthony Joshua or his management regarding a final decision on retirement, his uncle's revelations indicate that the traumatic accident has fundamentally shifted the boxer's perspective on his future in the sport. The boxing community now awaits word on whether one of its biggest stars will indeed choose to hang up his gloves.
