Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering a permanent exit from professional boxing following a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his inner team.

Family sources say the 36-year-old boxer has privately informed relatives of his intention to step away from the sport after the crash, which occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Joshua survived the incident but lost two long-time associates, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, a development said to have deeply shaken his camp.

According to those close to the family, the emotional impact of the tragedy has triggered serious reflection about Joshua’s future in the ring, with the loss compounding years of anxiety surrounding his boxing career.

Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, confirmed that the decision was communicated to the family, describing a sense of relief after years of emotional strain whenever the former champion competed.

“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad,” he said.
“Each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally. When he’s knocked down, it’s like the heart is coming out of our chest. It’s too much trauma. Now that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”

When asked if the decision came directly from Joshua, his uncle replied in the affirmative.

Beyond discussions about retirement, Joshua has reportedly pledged long-term support to the families of the two men who died in the crash. Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer, were described as more than staff, but family, having worked closely with him for years.

Days after the accident, Joshua shared photos with the bereaved families on social media, accompanied by the message “My Brother’s Keeper,” signalling his commitment to stand by them and reflecting a message of responsibility and care.

The accident occurred while the trio were travelling in Nigeria to visit family. Their vehicle reportedly collided with a stationary truck, killing Ghami and Ayodele at the scene. Joshua was pulled from the wreckage and treated in hospital for minor injuries.

A funeral service was later held in London, where mourners gathered in large numbers, with both coffins placed side by side during prayers before a wake ceremony.

In Sagamu, Joshua’s ancestral hometown, residents expressed gratitude for his survival while mourning the loss of the two men. Locals described the boxer as a source of pride and goodwill to the community.

Addressing concerns about Joshua’s relationship with Nigeria after the incident, his uncle said emotions can run high in the aftermath of tragedy but stressed that faith, family and roots remain intact.

“This is a Christian family, and everything we take with faith,” he said.
“Emotionally, you can say anything at the time, but as time goes on, you know this is always your root.”

Meanwhile, the driver involved in the crash has been charged to court over allegations of dangerous and negligent driving, with proceedings adjourned to a later date.

Joshua, who was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, had been spending time in Nigeria following a recent fight victory abroad. While his next move remains uncertain, voices within his family suggest that the boxing ring may, for now, have seen the last of one of its most recognisable figures.