British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has returned to training less than three weeks after a car crash in Nigeria claimed the lives of two close friends and members of his team.
The former world champion, 36, sustained only minor injuries in the incident, which occurred on 29 December near Lagos, but described the emotional impact as deeply painful.
Joshua shared footage on Snapchat showing him working out in the gym, hitting pads and training, with the words “mental strength therapy” written across one clip.
Photo Credit: AJ/Instagram
Strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele died after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a stationary truck on a major road. Joshua was a passenger in the car at the time.
The boxer had been on holiday in Nigeria following his victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December, just 10 days before the crash.
Last week, Joshua paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele in a post on Instagram, reflecting on their influence and friendship.
“I didn’t even realise how special they are,” he wrote. “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% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.”
Anthony Joshua alongside the deceased family. Photo Credit: Joshua/Instagram
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said the former champion will decide on his boxing future only when he feels ready.
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Speaking to Sky Sports on Wednesday, Hearn said Joshua would need time to recover “physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually” before considering a return to the ring.
“I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right,” Hearn said.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
“It is certainly not a conversation I’ll be having with him any time soon. The only conversation is ‘are you OK?’’
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Hearn added that the tragedy was “heartbreaking for all involved” and stressed that Joshua should be given space to heal.
“When the time is right, he will make his decision and you will hear it from him,” he said.
