Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has stepped back into the gym for what he calls "mental strength therapy," just weeks after being involved in a fatal car accident in Nigeria.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The 36-year-old boxer was travelling in the back of a black Lexus SUV near Lagos last month when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck. The tragic incident claimed the lives of two of Joshua's close friends: Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele. Joshua survived with minor injuries.
Nigerian Police have since charged the driver of the SUV, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, on four counts. The charges include dangerous driving causing death and driving without a valid national driver's licence.
A Return to Training Amid Uncertainty
Despite warnings from within his camp that he could be out of action for a considerable period, Joshua shared footage on Instagram on Thursday showing him hitting pads with a trainer. He captioned the clip with the poignant phrase, "Mental Strength Therapy."
This move has sparked questions about a potential return to the ring for the British superstar. However, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, was quick to temper expectations during an interview with Sky Sports on Wednesday.
Eddie Hearn's Candid Assessment
Hearn emphasised that now is not the time to be discussing Joshua's boxing future. "That's not a conversation that I think anyone's comfortable in having," Hearn stated. He stressed the need for Joshua to be given space and time to heal from the traumatic event.
"The future of Anthony Joshua will be told by Anthony Joshua. And that's the only voice you should listen to in that respect," Hearn affirmed. He added that the priority is for Joshua to recover "in many different ways" from an incident that is "not normal and... heartbreaking for everybody involved."
Joshua posted a heartfelt tribute to his late friends last week, expressing his grief and acknowledging the greater loss felt by their families. Sina Ghami had been a part of Joshua's team for over a decade as a sports rehabilitator, while Latz Ayodele was an old friend and personal trainer.
For now, the boxing world watches and waits, respecting the champion's need for privacy and recovery as he navigates this profoundly difficult chapter.
