Anthony Joshua undergoes intensive treatment on his ribs as part of rehabilitation programme

FORMER world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is currently undergoing intensive treatment on his ribs as part of the recovery programme to get him back to full fitness following his near-fatal car crash in December.

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 new fight, Joshua was travelling near his native Sagamu within Ogun State when the ghastly accident occurred.

Two of Joshua's close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif  Ayodele, died in the car accident after their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. 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.

As part of an intensive recovery programme, Joshua has undergone intensive treatment on his ribs and continues to receive physical therapy. Clearly on the mend, the former world champion posted pictures of one session on social media platform Snapchat with the caption -Rehabilitation protocol. When you go thru certain things, you realise that you are stronger than you think you are.

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes the two-time heavyweight king will fight again to honour his two late pals. A summer return is growing increasingly likely, with rival Tyson Fury, 37, also coming out of retirement for an April clash against Arslanbek Makhmudov.