Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering stepping away from professional boxing following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close associates, his uncle Adedamola Joshua said in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH.

The 36-year-old athlete survived the crash, which occurred on the 29th of December 2025 near Lagos, but two of his longtime team members, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, were killed instantly. Joshua shared the decision to potentially retire with his family in private, his uncle confirmed during a visit to their home in Sagamu on Monday morning.

“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,” Adedamola said. “Each time he’s knocked down, it feels like our hearts are coming out of our chests. The emotional toll has always been intense for us. Now that he has said he’s leaving at the height of his ovation, we are happy.”

Joshua has also pledged ongoing support to the families of Ghami and Ayodele, who were integral to his boxing camp. Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele worked as his personal trainer. Both had accompanied Joshua to Nigeria for a family visit when the accident occurred.

On Sunday, Joshua broke his public silence on Instagram, sharing photos with the grieving relatives alongside the caption “My Brothers Keeper,” paired with two heart emojis and a military helmet symbol. The post references a biblical passage, Genesis 4:9, reflecting a moral obligation to care for others.

A source close to Joshua told UK publication The Sun, “AJ is fiercely loyal to his friends and their families and will be there for them for the rest of their lives. He’s had the same team around him for his entire career, and that team included Sina and Latz.”

The accident involved a Lexus SUV in which Joshua was a passenger. The vehicle collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Joshua was extracted from the wreckage by rescuers and taken to a hospital, where he sustained only minor injuries.

Funeral and Public Mourning

The funerals for Ghami and Ayodele were held on Sunday 4th of January 2026 at the London Central Mosque, where Joshua joined hundreds of mourners to pay respects. The coffins were placed side by side as the Janaza, the Islamic funeral prayer, was recited. The service was followed by cremation and an afternoon wake attended by family and friends.

Local residents in Sagamu expressed relief that Joshua survived the crash, even as they grieved for the two men. Adeniji Taiwo, an indigene of the town, said, “We thank God we didn’t lose our son, and for those who lost their children, God will help us to comfort them. We hope Anthony can come back home; this is his family, his roots.”

Joshua’s uncle also addressed concerns about his relationship with Nigeria after the tragedy. “This is a Christian family, and we handle things with faith. Naturally, emotionally, he may have strong reactions, but over time, he will always recognize this as his home and his root,” Adedamola said.

Legal Proceedings

The Ogun State Police confirmed that Adeniyi Kayode, who was driving the SUV, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and operating a vehicle without a valid license. Kayode appeared at Sagamu Magistrate Court, and the case has been adjourned to January 20.

Kayode’s lawyer told the Daily Mail that his client has pleaded not guilty and described the incident as an accident. The lawyer noted that the brakes reportedly failed and that seat changes among the passengers, including Joshua, occurred before the crash.

Joshua’s Recent Boxing Career and Context

The accident comes shortly after Joshua’s sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. Born in Watford to Nigerian parents, Joshua was visiting Nigeria on holiday following the win. This context underscores the personal nature of the tragedy: he was returning to his roots and reconnecting with family when the accident occurred.

Analysts suggest that Joshua’s potential retirement could reshape the heavyweight boxing landscape. Boxing historian Dr. Emmanuel Okeke noted, “AJ has been a consistent force in the division for over a decade. His decision to step back now, especially under such emotional circumstances, could open opportunities for emerging heavyweights and alter promotional dynamics in the sport.”

The incident also highlights the ongoing risks of road travel in Nigeria, where highway accidents are a leading cause of fatalities. Safety advocates argue that improved infrastructure and stricter enforcement could prevent future tragedies like this one.

While Joshua has not made a public declaration about retirement beyond his family circle, the boxer’s emotional ties to his team and the trauma of losing close friends may influence his future decisions.

Joshua’s legacy in the sport is secure, but the personal cost of recent events may redefine both his career and his public role as a mentor and supporter of his extended team.