Former heavyweight champion hits gym 19 days after Nigeria crash that killed two close friends
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the gym for the first time since a devastating car crash in Nigeria claimed the lives of two close friends and members of his training team. The 36-year-old boxer posted video footage on Snapchat showing himself exercising on a stationary bike and hitting pads, marking his first public workout session since the Dec. 29 accident near Lagos that left him with minor injuries and forever changed his life.
The footage, which Joshua captioned with the phrase mental strength therapy, offers a glimpse into the British fighter’s healing process as he navigates grief while attempting to maintain some semblance of normalcy through physical activity. The decision to share his return to training comes 19 days after the collision that took the lives of strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif Ayodele, known as Latz to friends and colleagues.
Remembering the fallen team members
The accident occurred when the vehicle carrying Joshua, Ghami and Ayodele collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos. Joshua had been in Nigeria on holiday following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on Dec. 19, just 10 days before the tragic incident. The crash transformed what should have been a celebratory trip into an unspeakable tragedy that claimed two members of his inner circle.
Last week, Joshua posted an emotional tribute to both men on Instagram, expressing the profound impact they had on his life and career. In the heartfelt message, he reflected on how he hadn’t fully appreciated their significance during the time they spent together. He wrote about walking and joking with them without realizing God had placed him in the presence of exceptional individuals whose value he only fully understood after their deaths.
The tribute also acknowledged the different levels of pain experienced by those affected by the loss. While Joshua admitted the situation was difficult for him, he recognized that the parents of Ghami and Ayodele were enduring even greater suffering. His words demonstrated an awareness of how grief radiates outward from tragedy, affecting families and communities in ways that extend far beyond his personal experience.
Promoter discusses future plans
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s longtime promoter, addressed the boxer’s future in an interview with Sky Sports on Wednesday. Hearn made it clear that any decisions about returning to competitive boxing would happen on Joshua’s timeline, without pressure from management or promotional interests. The promoter emphasized that Joshua needs adequate time to heal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually before making determinations about his career trajectory.
Hearn expressed his belief that Joshua will eventually want to return to boxing, but stressed that such a decision must come from the fighter himself when circumstances feel appropriate. The promoter indicated he has no plans to initiate conversations about competitive boxing in the near future, stating that his only concern at present involves checking on Joshua’s wellbeing.
The promoter also acknowledged that people often present a facade of being fine when they’re actually struggling internally. He described what happened to Joshua as abnormal and heartbreaking for everyone involved, recognizing that the trauma from losing two close friends in such sudden and violent circumstances requires significant time to process.
Path forward remains uncertain
Hearn told reporters that when Joshua feels ready to make decisions about his boxing future, fans and media will hear directly from the fighter himself. The promoter emphasized that Joshua’s voice should be the only one that matters regarding his return to competition, a statement that underscores respect for the grieving process and the highly personal nature of the decision facing the former champion.
The crash occurred during what should have been a triumphant period in Joshua’s career. His victory over Paul in Miami had generated significant attention and demonstrated that he remained a formidable competitor in the heavyweight division despite being in the later stages of his career. The win positioned him for potentially lucrative fights and kept him relevant in boxing’s most prestigious weight class.
Now, the sport takes a backseat to more fundamental concerns about healing and honoring the memory of those who died. Joshua’s return to the gym represents a small step in what will undoubtedly be a lengthy journey toward finding a new normal after experiencing such profound loss.
The boxing community has largely rallied around Joshua during this difficult period, with fellow fighters, trainers and fans expressing condolences and support through social media and other platforms. The tragedy serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change and how fragile life remains even for elite athletes who seem invincible inside the ring.
As Joshua continues working through his grief while maintaining some connection to the physical training that has defined much of his adult life, questions about his competitive future remain unanswered. For now, the focus stays on healing rather than fighting.
SOURCE: BBC
