Eddie Hearn Hints At Anthony Joshua’s Retirement As Promoter Begs For Privacy After Tragic Loss

Eddie Hearn has fuelled speculation over Anthony Joshua’s future in boxing after strongly suggesting that the former world heavyweight champion may be stepping away from the sport following a devastating car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his closest friends.

Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, Joshua’s long-time promoter avoided any discussion about potential fights or career plans, insisting that boxing is no longer the priority for the 36-year-old at this moment.

“He needs time and privacy right now, so there will be no statements from us regarding his career, upcoming fights, or anything else. He has to recover both physically and emotionally,” Hearn said.

“There is nothing to discuss at the moment. Let’s leave him alone. Let’s pray for him and for the families affected by this terrible incident.”

While Hearn stopped short of officially confirming Joshua’s retirement, his comments appeared to align with claims from within the boxer’s family that a major decision has already been made.

Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, told The Punch that the two-time world heavyweight champion had informed the family of his intention to retire from boxing.

“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 during a visit to the family home in Sagamu.

“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest. All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, too. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”

Asked whether Joshua had personally communicated the decision to the family, his uncle responded, “Yes.”

Naija News reports that the retirement talk comes in the aftermath of a fatal accident on December 29 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which claimed the lives of Joshua’s close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

Joshua later broke his silence on the tragedy in an emotional post on 𝕏, paying tribute to the men and reflecting on their impact on his life.

“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men,” Joshua wrote.

“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”

Further insight into Joshua’s state of mind emerged through a now-deleted video shared by UFC star Kamaru Usman, showing an emotional conversation with the boxer as he recovered from injuries sustained in the crash.

“Obviously, two of my close friends passed away,” Joshua said in the footage. “One was in the front, and one was behind him, on the right side. They both passed away. It still hasn’t sunk in. It still hasn’t hit me yet.”

Police said Adeniyi Kayode, 46, was driving the black Lexus SUV that rammed into the rear of a stationary truck carrying soya beans. Joshua and Kayode survived the crash without serious injuries.

Kayode has since appeared before a magistrate’s court in Sagamu, charged with dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, having no licence, and driving without due care and attention causing bodily harm. The case was adjourned until January 20, with bail set at ₦5 million.

Ayodele, a personal trainer popularly known as Healthy Mindset, had been friends with Joshua long before his rise to global stardom, while Ghami was a regular presence in the gym and stood in his corner during the win over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

Joshua spent New Year’s Eve in the hospital before returning to the United Kingdom. Funeral prayers for Ghami and Ayodele were later held on January 4 at the London Central Mosque.