Former World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is considering retiring from boxing following a fatal car crash in Nigeria, according to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua.
The 36- year-old boxer survived the accident which claimed the lives of two of his close friends and long-time members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
The incident occurred last Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Speaking in an interview at the family home in Sagamu, Ogun State, Adedamola said Joshua had privately informed his family of his intention to step away from the sport.
“He has retired from boxing, and that is something that gives us peace”, he said. “Every time he fought, we were emotionally traumatized. When, he was knocked down, it felt like our hearts were leaving our bodies. Now that he wants to leave while still celebrated we are happy”
Asked whether Joshua had directly communicated the decision, his uncle replied “Yes”
Joshua has also pledged to provide lifelong support to the families of Ghami and Ayodele.
A source close to the boxer said that Joshua remains deeply loyal to those around him.
Ghami served has his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer throughout much of his career.
The two men were travelling with Joshua to visit his family when Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck. Both were killed instantly, while Joshua was rescued from the wreckage and treated for minor injuries.
On Sunday, Joshua attended and emotional funeral service at the London Central Mosque, where prayer was held before the coffins were taken for burial rites.
Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, had been holidaying in Nigeria following his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami recently.
-9News Nigeria.
