By Samuel Adeola
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is considering retirement from boxing after a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said the 36-year-old has privately informed the family of his decision, citing the emotional strain boxing has placed on them.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally,” he said.
“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest… now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
The boxer has also promised to support the families of the victims, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who were key members of his team. Joshua recently shared photos with the bereaved families on social media, captioned “My Brothers Keeper”.
The accident happened on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when their SUV crashed into a stationary truck. Ghami and Ayodele died at the scene, while Joshua escaped with minor injuries.
Residents of Sagamu have thanked God for Joshua’s survival and urged him not to turn his back on his roots. Meanwhile, the driver involved has been charged to court, with the case adjourned till January 20.
