Eddie Hearn, the head of Matchroom Boxing, has stated that the boxing world must be patient with Anthony Joshua following a devastating personal tragedy. The two-time heavyweight world champion is grieving the loss of two close friends and team members, and any discussion about his future in the sport is a long way off.
A Tragic Incident Near Lagos
The boxing community was shaken by news of a fatal accident in Nigeria on December 29. Joshua's close confidants, Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, tragically died after their vehicle collided with a stationary truck on a busy and notoriously dangerous expressway near Lagos. Joshua himself was involved in the crash, sustaining minor injuries that required a two-day hospital stay.
This heartbreaking event occurred just ten days after Joshua's triumphant return to the ring, where he defeated Jake Paul in Miami. That fight was his first since a loss to fellow British boxer Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Hearn's Supportive Stance: Time to Grieve is Paramount
In an interview with The Sportsman Boxing, promoter Eddie Hearn emphasized that personal well-being far outweighs any professional considerations at this moment. He revealed he has had limited conversations with Joshua, focused solely on support, not boxing.
"It baffles me that people are on me asking what's next," Hearn stated. "No, those conversations are a long way away. My plan will be to see him over the next week, as a mate. I'm not going to go in there and say, 'I know this terrible tragedy has happened but let's talk about what's next'. I'd be an idiot to do that."
Hearn made a powerful statement about Joshua's potential career path, leaving the decision entirely in the fighter's hands. "If he never fought again, you could never ever blame him," he asserted. However, based on his knowledge of Joshua's character, Hearn believes the champion will eventually return. "Knowing AJ, after he's grieved, I believe he will want to get back to boxing. The only thing that will make the mind clearer is time and he'll be given all the time. We have no belts, we don't have to do anything. We could not fight for two years or ever again."
Remembering Pillars of Joshua's Team
Hearn shared heartfelt words about the profound loss of Sina and Latz, describing them as incredibly close to Joshua on multiple levels. He highlighted their integral role in the boxer's journey from the beginning.
"They came up with him and saw the rise but were also integral parts of the team. So loyal and passionate," Hearn recalled. "Sina, going into the last fight, was like the leader of the camp."
Expressing deep empathy, Hearn admitted the tragedy hasn't fully sunk in for him, and he can only imagine the impact on Joshua. "My heart breaks for him. I know how strong he is but you can try and be strong, give that image and front-facing attitude, but deep down you never really know how someone's feeling. That's why we've got to be there for him," he concluded, underscoring the need for unconditional support during this period.
