Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is seriously considering retirement from boxing, according to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua.
The heavyweight returned to the sport last month with a sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul following more than a year on the sidelines recovering from injury after his stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois last September. Joshua then had plans to fight again in February, with rumoured opponent Rico Verhoeven, before taking on long-time rival Tyson Fury later in 2026. However, tragedy struck, and Joshua was involved in a fatal car collision whilst visiting Nigeria, where Joshua has family. The heavyweight only sustained minor injuries, but the two close friends he was travelling with, Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele, were sadly killed in the crash.
Joshua attended both men’s funerals on January 4, and according to The Sun, will be providing lifelong support to both men’s families. The collision, and loss of two of his closest friends, will undoubtedly have taken a heavy toll on Joshua and his position in the sport. The heavyweight’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, spoke to The Punch at the family home in Sagamu, Nigeria, and revealed that Joshua is considering hanging up the gloves.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” Adedamola said. “That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally.
“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest. All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
Adedamola also claims that Joshua has confirmed his decision on retirement to his family.
Matchroom Boxing, who have promoted Joshua since his debut in 2013, chose not to comment on the matter when contacted by BoxingScene.
