Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn says there are no assurances Anthony Joshua will return to boxing following the fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of the former heavyweight champion’s close friends late last year.
The 36-year-old former two-time world heavyweight champion sustained minor injuries in the December 29 crash that killed Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
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The tragedy came just weeks after he stopped Jake Paul in Miami to stay on course for a potential 2026 showdown with long-time rival Tyson Fury.
No Guarantees Over Joshua’s Future
While Anthony Joshua has since returned to light training, posting a social media video captioned “mental strength therapy”, Hearn, who is also Joshua’s promoter, says there is no certainty about his fighting future.
“I don’t think there are any guarantees he (Anthony Joshua) fights again,” Hearn told First Round TV.
“But at the same time, I expect him to because it’s something he loves. It’s something he can carry those guys with him through as well, and it’s something he wants to do.”
Hearn, who has promoted Anthony Joshua since he turned professional after winning Olympic gold in 2012, stressed that the physical and emotional toll of the incident should not be underestimated.
“From a boxing sense, physically, it wasn’t easy what he went through either. People probably don’t realise the extent of that,” he added.
Return to Camp Not Imminent
Although Joshua has resumed workouts, Hearn made clear that a full return to camp is not imminent.
“He has been training, but he is not ready yet and won’t be for a while to return to boxing training,” Hearn said.
Before the tragedy, Joshua was reportedly targeting a March return, with a long-anticipated clash against Fury under discussion. Those plans have since stalled, while Fury has confirmed he will face Arslanbek Makhmudov in the UK on April 11.
“Before this terrible incident, we were geared up to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury.
Obviously, that is not happening now, and I don’t know if it will ever happen right now.
“But I think in the next few weeks or months, he may start to return, and we’ll just turn the dial up a little bit more on training and see where he is at.”
Last Fight Before the Tragedy
Joshua last fought on December 19, 2025, stopping Jake Paul in the sixth round to secure his 29th professional victory and reaffirm his ambitions at the top of the heavyweight division.
Joshua’s immediate future remains uncertain as he continues to process the aftermath of a deeply personal loss.
