Months after surviving a deadly car accident in Nigeria that killed two close friends, former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has begun full training camp as he intensifies preparations for a comeback to the ring this summer.
According to Naija News, Anthony Joshua, 34, has not engaged in combat since defeating Jake Paul in six rounds on December 19 in Miami. A horrific tragedy on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway a few days later claimed the lives of his rehabilitation therapist Sina Ghami and personal trainer Kevin Ayodele, casting uncertainty on his career.
Joshua made it out alive, but he has been grieving the loss of his buddies and recuperating physically for the past few months.
He first gradually resumed training at Finchley Amateur Boxing Club, the starting point of his adventure, before reuniting with instructor Iegor Golub, a crucial ally of Oleksandr Usyk, the former undisputed champion.
Golub joined the team after Joshua separated from Ben Davison after losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Golub had previously worked with Joshua during his stoppage victory over Paul.
As Joshua gets closer to making a full comeback, promoter Eddie Hearn feels the indications are positive.
“I feel like AJ is physically and possibly mentally ready to throw himself back into that environment, and we are very close to returning to training camp,” Hearn stated.
It’s thrilling. I don’t think the suffering he has endured will go away. However, he wants to keep working and pursuing his career. And I can’t wait for him to return.
After the crash forced the cancellation of an earlier March date in Saudi Arabia, a comeback fight is now scheduled for July. With rumors indicating an agreement is in place, attention is already shifting to a possible blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury later in the year.
As the heavyweight division prepares for a crucial second half of the year, Fury is scheduled to return to action on April 11 against Arslanbek Makhmudov.
