Since two of Anthony Joshua’s close friends were killed in a car accident in Nigeria late last year, matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has acknowledged that there are no guarantees the boxer will fight again.
Joshua, 36, was slightly hurt in the collision on December 29 that killed Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Hearn stated that a competitive comeback is not imminent, despite the fact that the former two-time heavyweight champion has started light training again.
In an interview with First Round TV, Hearn stated, “I don’t think there are any guarantees he fights again.” He added that while he anticipates Joshua to make a comeback due to his love for boxing, the boxer has the final say in the matter.
In addition to the psychological effects of the incident, Hearn pointed out that Joshua had physical difficulties that delayed his full recuperation during boxing camp. His promoter emphasized that the Olympic gold medallist is not yet prepared to return to rigorous boxing training, despite the fact that he posted a video of himself working out in January with the comment, “mental strength therapy.”
Since the tragedy, Joshua has maintained a low profile, but over the weekend, he made a rare public appearance at a Professional Fighters League tournament in Dubai.
According to reports prior to the tragedy, Joshua was scheduled to compete in March, with a long-awaited matchup versus Tyson Fury perhaps on the table. However, those discussions have since stalled. Fury has announced that he will fight again on April 11 against Arslanbek Makhmudov in the UK.
Joshua last competed on December 19 and recorded his 29th professional victory—26 of which were knockouts—by defeating Jake Paul in the sixth round. After the fight, he said he was ready to take on Fury.
According to Hearn, the priority is still Joshua’s slow physical and emotional recuperation for the time being, with a potential decision regarding his future anticipated in the upcoming months.
