Anthony Joshua has reportedly retired from boxing following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends. His uncle confirmed the decision days after the deadly crash.

Anthony Joshua has reportedly decided to retire from boxing following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends.

The 36-year-old former heavyweight champion was involved in a serious crash on December 29 while travelling in a black Lexus Jeep in Nigeria. The vehicle collided with a stationary truck on the highway. Joshua escaped with minor injuries, but the crash killed his friends Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

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Joshua was hospitalised and received medical treatment before returning to the UK. He recently attended the funeral of his friends at the London Central Mosque.

Joshua’s uncle confirms his retirement

According to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, the tragedy has prompted Joshua to step away from the sport he loves. Speaking to PUNCH, his uncle said that Joshua has retired from boxing, adding that the decision has made the whole family glad because every time he fought, they felt traumatised.

“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,” Adedamola was quoted as saying.

Adedamola also mentioned that Joshua had informed those closest to him of his decision, signalling that he intends to leave the sport on his own terms.

Joshua had been expected to return to the ring earlier this year to finally settle his long-standing rivalry with Tyson Fury, with a fight tentatively planned for February or March. But the shocking accident changed everything, leaving Joshua and his team to reconsider his future in boxing.

Before the tragic accident, Joshua fought and won his boxing match against famous YouTuber Jake Paul in Miami. He reportedly earned an estimated $92-$100 million from the fight.

HomeSports‘It’s too much trauma for us’: Anthony Joshua retires from boxing after surviving deadly car crashEnd of Article