Anthony Joshua considers retiring from boxing in response to death of his two friends

FORMER world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is seriously considering retirement from boxing following his near-escape from death in an automobile accident that saw him lose two of his close friends according to his uncle Adedamola Joshua.

On December 28, Joshua,36, survived a ghastly road accident in Ogun State along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near the village of Makun. In Nigeria to celebrate the festive season before preparations for any possible fight start, Joshua was travelling near his native Sagamu within Ogun State when the ghastly accident occurred.

Adedamola said: “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,

“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, also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”

He added that Anthony has also committed to providing lifelong support to the families of his two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif  Ayodele, who died in the car accident. One family source said Anthony Joshua is fiercely loyal to his friends and their families and will be there for them for the rest of their lives.

Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele worked as his personal trainer, making both men integral members of his boxing camp. Their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, killing both men instantly at the scene.

Joshua had to be extracted from the wreckage by rescuers and was rushed to the hospital, escaping with only minor injuries. On Sunday, Joshua attended an emotional funeral service at the London Central Mosque, joining other mourners to pay his respects to both his friends.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Adeniyi Kayode, who was driving the car, had been charged over the crash at the Sagamu Magistrate Court. He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and driving without a valid driver’s licence.