Matchroom promoter Ed Hearn has revealed that there are no assurances Anthony Joshua will return to the ring following the fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close friends late last year.
Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries in the 29 December crash that led to the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Latz Ayodele. Although the former two time heavyweight champion has resumed light training, Hearn cautioned that a competitive comeback is not imminent.
Speaking in an interview with First Round TV, Hearn said he believes Joshua still has a deep passion for boxing but stressed that the final decision about his future rests solely with the fighter. He acknowledged that the emotional impact of the tragedy, combined with physical challenges from the accident, has delayed Joshua’s full return to training camp.
In January, the Olympic gold medallist posted a workout video on social media, describing it as mental strength therapy. However, Hearn emphasized that Joshua is not yet ready to resume full scale boxing preparations.
Joshua has largely stayed out of the public eye since the incident, though he made a rare appearance at a Professional Fighters League event in Dubai over the weekend. Prior to the accident, discussions were reportedly ongoing for a March bout, including a potential showdown with Tyson Fury. Those talks have since stalled, with Fury now scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov in the UK on 11 April.
Joshua last fought on 19 December, defeating Jake Paul by sixth round stoppage to secure his 29th professional win, 26 by knockout. For now, Hearn says the focus remains on Joshua’s gradual physical and mental recovery, with a decision on his boxing future expected in the coming months.
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