Anthony Joshua Steps Back into the Gym After Devastating Accident
Anthony Joshua has quietly returned to training, capturing the attention of the boxing world. The former two-time heavyweight champion shared new workout content just weeks after surviving a deadly car crash in Nigeria. His posts reveal a fighter grappling with profound personal loss while preparing for an uncertain future.
Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Close Friends
The 36-year-old boxer was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a parked truck near Lagos. Joshua escaped with minor injuries, but the accident proved fatal for two of his close friends and teammates. Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele lost their lives in the crash. Their funerals took place in London on January 4, marking a somber moment for Joshua and his circle.
Joshua had been visiting family in Nigeria during a holiday period. This trip followed his knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. After several days of hospital treatment, doctors discharged him on New Year's Eve. Since the accident, fans and analysts have questioned whether Joshua will ever step into the ring again.
"Mental Strength Therapy" in the Gym
This week, Joshua posted images and videos on Snapchat showing his return to training. The content displayed him hitting pads, riding a stationary bike, performing leg exercises, and swimming. He described the session as "mental strength therapy," highlighting the psychological aspect of his comeback. One photo showed him on a cardio machine with the caption "I am a fighter."
Joshua also shared a reflective image from his 2017 fight at Wembley Stadium, where heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko landed a punch. This post blended memories of his career peak with his current personal struggle, suggesting a boxer evaluating his journey.
Conflicting Reports About Retirement Plans
On January 6, Anthony Joshua's uncle Adedamola Joshua told The Punch newspaper that the boxer had privately informed family members of his retirement decision. He stated, "The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing... Now that he has said that he's leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy."
However, Mirror Fighting later reported that Joshua has not made a final decision about his career. This contradiction leaves his boxing future unclear as he processes the trauma of recent events.
Legal Proceedings Continue in Nigeria
The legal case connected to the crash moves forward in Nigeria. On January 2, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode faced charges at the Sagamu Magistrate Court. Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi told AFP, "The defendant was granted bail in the sum of five million naira with two sureties. He was remanded pending when he meets his bail condition."
Reports indicate Joshua narrowly avoided more serious injury or death. He initially sat in the front seat before moving to the back at the last moment. His promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports, "When the time is right, I believe he will make his decision. You'll hear it from him. The future of Anthony Joshua will be told by Anthony Joshua."
The boxing community now watches closely as Joshua balances physical recovery with emotional healing. His return to training suggests a fighter not ready to surrender, but the shadow of tragedy and retirement rumors creates uncertainty about what comes next.
