Anthony Joshua Plots July Return on the Horizon But No Fight With Tyson Fury,After Devastating Crash —  Says Promoter

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is aiming for a return to the ring in July following his recovery from a devastating car crash in December, but a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury will not be his next bout, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed.

Joshua had been riding high after a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami when tragedy struck. While visiting family in Nigeria over the Christmas period, he was involved in a road traffic accident that claimed the lives of two close associates and members of his training team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua was hospitalised following the crash.

“[He was] due to fight in March, then fight Tyson Fury. That’s not happening anymore. He won’t be fighting Tyson Fury next,” Hearn said, adding that no firm plans have yet been finalised for the former champion’s return.

The immediate priority, Hearn explained, is Joshua’s full physical recovery and gradual return to training camp. “The focus for Anthony Joshua is to get back into training camp. He’s not ready to go back into training camp, physically, but it’s getting closer,” he said.

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“I think there’s nothing more that he wants at the moment than to return to training camp because it’s where he loves to be.”

Hearn indicated that July is the likely window for Joshua’s comeback, with several potential venues under consideration around the world. Further discussions about opponents and logistics are expected once Joshua resumes full training in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Fury is preparing for his own return to action. The former world champion is set to face Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11. The bout will mark Fury’s first fight since his rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.

While fans may have to wait longer for a potential Joshua-Fury showdown, Hearn’s comments suggest that Joshua’s return to competition — and to full fitness — remains firmly on the horizon.

Anthony Joshua Makes Emotional Tribute – Tattoos Names of Friends Lost in Tragic Ogun Car Crash

British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua, has tattooed the names of two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who died in a car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, last December.

A London-based tattoo studio, Fulham Tattoo, on Thursday, posted images of the new tattoos on Instagram, saying Joshua walked into the shop unannounced for his first visit.

“Huge thank you to two-time heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua for unexpectedly and unannounced walking through the door a few weeks ago for his first visit with us at Fulham Tattoo London … what a walk in,” the post read.

Ghami and Ayodele were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a truck on a road near Lagos in December.

Joshua, who was also in the vehicle, survived the crash and was hospitalised before being discharged and returning to the United Kingdom.

The boxer later attended the funerals of Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, who was one of his trainers.

PUNCH reports that the Lexus Jeep carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck on December 29, 2025.

The incident drew widespread reactions from the boxing community and fans in Nigeria and abroad, with tributes pouring in for the deceased members of Joshua’s team.

Anthony Joshua Speaks Out for the First Time Since Nigeria Crash

Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time since the December car crash in Nigeria that killed his two friends.

Joshua was involved in the crash Dec. 29 near Lagos, Nigeria, that killed his two friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.

On Thursday, the former two-time heavyweight champion released an emotional YouTube video in which he discussed the incident for the first time.

“The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission,” Joshua said.

“We went back home, went to see our families and everything just got flipped up on its head. God’s the best planner. We can plan to the best of our capabilities, but that was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control.

“Not even did their parents, uncles, cousins, friends and myself lose two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about and that have been major players in all of our lives.

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“It’s tough. It’s really tough. I’m not going to sit here and show all of my emotions. In today’s day and age, it’s easy to microanalyse people and pass judgement, but I know what I feel, and that’s all that matters to me. I know what my duty is.”

Joshua, 36, held back tears while talking about his friends. In the video’s caption, he conceded the speech “took a few attempts.”

“It’s a shame. It’s a shame … So, there’s that side of things. What can I say,” an emotional Joshua said.

“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared. … At all. It’s actually comforting I’ve got two brothers on the other side. I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that. … My left and my right, you know?

“I was walking with giants that kept me protected.”

Joshua thanked people for their messages of support and vowed to fulfil the dreams of his “brothers.”

“What my goal is is to continue to help them achieve their goals. Even though they may not be here in the physical, when I pray, I know spiritually they’re going to aid me through. It’s not just physical strength that will get me through; it’s going to take a lot.

“A lot of strength from a higher power, so I’m definitely going to be saying my prayers, and I’m going to help them fulfil their dreams for their families.

“Not only me, there’s a whole team of us. … A whole brotherhood, a whole sisterhood that will be helping fulfil their legacy and dreams.

“I don’t think I’ve mentioned the love and appreciation. It’s all acknowledged by me, by them, by their families. We acknowledged the thousands, maybe going into millions, around the world that showed so much love to them both.”

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s longtime promoter at Matchroom Boxing, said last week that Joshua “will take his time to get back on track” as the boxer continues his recovery from the crash.

“My Time Will Come-and I’m Not Afraid”: Anthony Joshua Breaks His Silence After Devastating Car Crash

British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly following a road accident in Nigeria late last year that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.

In a video posted on his Instagram on Thursday, the former heavyweight champion paid tribute to Latif Ayodele, popularly known as Latz, and Gami Sina, who both died in the crash.

“So this is the best way I could reach out to all of you, far and wide, worldwide, who were showing so much love, care, support through that tragic, traumatic time where we lost Latz and Sina in Nigeria,” Joshua said.

The accident occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Joshua was also injured in the crash and later received medical treatment.

He said the loss was particularly painful because the group had made plans to end the year together.

“The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission. We went back home, went to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside on its head,” he said.

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Joshua described Latz and Sina as central figures in his life and in the lives of those around them.

“Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends, and myself lose like two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about. They were major players in all of our lives,” he said.

He added, “They’re my brothers, they’re my friends first and foremost, and then we became business partners. We became everything.”

The boxer said he feels a strong responsibility to continue supporting the families they left behind.

“I understand my duty. I understand what they wanted to do for their families, so my goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals, even though they may not be here in the physical,” he said.

“It ain’t about legacy. It’s just doing what’s right, and I know what I’m going to do, what’s right for them and what’s right for their family.”

Reflecting further on loss and mortality, Joshua said, “one day my time will come and I’m not scared either at all. It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side.

“I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that, my left and my right.”

In the caption accompanying the video, Joshua wrote, “A short message from the heart. My brother’s keeper for life.”

He also thanked those who assisted at the scene of the crash and during his recovery.

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“I want to take a moment to show a massive amount of appreciation to the first responders, to everyone who rushed to help Latz and Sina, to those who helped me get to the hospital, and to all the locals who prayed for us at the scene,” he wrote.

Joshua acknowledged the medical team at Lagoon Hospital, naming Dr Ogunyankin, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr Ninalowo.

He also thanked British Deputy High Commissioner Simon Field, as well as business figures Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote, for their support.

“Without you guys, the transition back to the UK wouldn’t have been as smooth,” he said.

The boxer further expressed gratitude to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Bola Tinubu, and senior security officials.

“Thank you so much for your personal involvement, daily follow-ups and all your efforts,” Joshua said.

The Guardian had earlier reported that the victims, Latif Ayodele and Gami Sina, were both 36. Joshua was pulled from the wreckage and taken to Duchess International Hospital for treatment.

The driver involved in the crash, Adeniyi Kayode, 46, has since appeared before a magistrate’s court in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The case was adjourned until February 25 to allow the prosecution seek legal advice from the state Attorney-General’s office.

‘IT’S REALLY TOUGH’ Anthony Joshua fights back tears as he opens up about ‘traumatic’ death of his ‘brothers’ in crash

Anthony Joshua : The British boxing great, 36, shared a video to his YouTube detailing the last 31 days of his life since the deadly Nigerian accident as he praised his fans for their support.

AJ’s personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami both lost their lives in the fatal smash on December 29.

Joshua has spent the past few weeks mourning the death of his fallen friends and made the brave decision to return to training for the sake of his mental wellbeing.

In the days following the tragedy, the heavyweight was hospitalised for treatment on a minor injury.

He returned to the UK at the start of January and is continuing to complete rehab on both his physical issues and mental scars.

Speaking out for the first time at length about the past month, Joshua thanked fans around the world for their support as he opened up on the scale of the loss.

He said: “I could reach out to all of you far and wide, worldwide who are showing so much love, care, support through that tragic, traumatic time where we lost Latz and Sina in Nigeria.”

Joshua explained how the trip had started with optimism before everything changed in an instant.

He added: “We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission… We went back home, went to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside on its head.”

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Fighting back tears, Joshua described the devastation felt by those closest to the pair, admitting the grief has been overwhelming.

He said: “Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself lose like two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about.”

Joshua continued: “[They were] major players in all of our lives, major, major players in all of our lives, it’s tough, it’s really tough.”

The former heavyweight champion spoke emotionally about the bond they shared, describing them as family rather than colleagues.

He said: “They’re my brothers, they’re my friends first and foremost.”

Joshua revealed the trio lived together and had built their lives side by side, both personally and professionally.

He said: “We became housemates, we were living together.”

In one of the most poignant moments of the video, Joshua reflected on mortality and found comfort in the belief that they are still with him.

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He said: “One day my time will come, and I’m not scared either at all. It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side.”

Joshua admitted the loss was unlike anything he had experienced before.

He said: “I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that, my left and my right.”

The boxer said he now feels a responsibility to carry on their work and support their families.

He said: “The mission must go on… I understand my duty.”

Joshua added: “I’m gonna do what’s right by them. I’m gonna do what’s right by their family.”

He closed by thanking supporters again and acknowledging the scale of the response following the tragedy.

He said: “I still can’t get my head around like just my two friends… how popular, like that’s mad to me.”

Joshua finished with a message of love to grieving families everywhere, adding: “For anyone out there that’s lost a son, a brother, one love to you.”

Joshua is continuing to rebuild his life without two of his best pals who had been by his side for years.

Latz, 36, was a childhood friend of Joshua’s who the former boxing champion met when he was just 11.

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And Sina, 36, was a vital part of his team who could be seen in Joshua’s corner for his bout with Jake Paul in Miami just days before the crash.

The trio were on holiday together after having just arrived in Nigeria and were on their way to AJ’s family home for New Year celebrations.

Joshua attended the funeral for Latz and Sina when he came home to London and has stayed close to their families.

He made his first emotional post paying tribute to his fallen friends prior to the funeral.

Joshua wrote: “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.”

He added: “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.”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said earlier this week that he could continue his boxing career in honour of his late friends.

A return to the heavyweight scene would be what the beloved duo would have wanted after they both spent years a part of Team AJ.

It comes after the Brit legend shared a video of himself boxing for the first time since the tragic car crash two weeks ago.