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Anthony Joshua's Boxing Future Uncertain After Fatal Crash

Published 12 February 2026

Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua faces an uncertain future in the ring following a devastating car crash in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends, leaving the 36-year-old fighter to grapple with both physical recovery and profound emotional trauma.

The accident occurred on December 29 in Lagos, where Joshua sustained minor injuries while traveling with Sina Ghami and Latif Latz Ayodele, members of his inner circle. Both companions died at the scene, prompting Joshua to withdraw from public view in the weeks that followed. Just 10 days earlier, on December 19, Joshua had secured a dominant victory, stopping YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami, marking his 29th professional win and keeping him on track for high-profile bouts.

Promoter Eddie Hearn, who has guided Joshua's career for years, expressed cautious optimism about a potential return during a recent interview with First Round TV. "I don't think there are any guarantees he fights again, but at the same time I expect him to, because it is something that he loves," Hearn said. He emphasized Joshua's passion for the sport as a driving force, noting...

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