World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has publicly expressed his support for his rival and friend, Anthony Joshua, following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of Joshua's close friends.
A Tragic Incident on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The fatal accident occurred last month on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun. Anthony Joshua was a passenger in a black Lexus when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck. The crash resulted in the deaths of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, who were not only Joshua's friends but also key members of his professional team.
This devastating loss led to widespread speculation within the boxing community about the future of the 36-year-old British-Nigerian fighter, with many wondering if he would choose to retire from the sport.
Usyk's Heartfelt Conversation and Prediction
Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Joshua in their two heavyweight title fights in 2021 and 2022, has since spoken with him. In an interview with 'Ready to Fight', Usyk revealed the content 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 to his own experience, recounting a conversation with the mother of a fallen comrade. She told him her son would be proud to see him continue his work, watching from heaven. Usyk believes his own lost loved ones, and by extension Joshua's friends, become guardian angels who offer support from beyond.
Future Plans and Healing Process
Prior to the tragedy, Anthony Joshua had been linked to a potential blockbuster fight against Tyson Fury later this year. Those plans are now firmly on hold as Joshua focuses on his recovery.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, told Sky Sports that Joshua needs time to heal on multiple levels. "He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, before he makes a decision on his future," Hearn stated. He added that while he believes Joshua will return, the decision is entirely personal and no immediate pressure will be applied.
In a sign of his ongoing commitment to the sport, Joshua recently posted a video of himself training in Dubai, captioning it "Mental strength therapy." This suggests the former two-time world champion is using the discipline of boxing as part of his coping and recovery process.
The boxing world now waits to see when Anthony Joshua will feel ready to lace up his gloves competitively again, carrying the memory of his friends with him into the ring.
