Nigerian-British boxer Anthony Joshua is considering retiring from professional boxing following a car crash in Ogun that claimed the lives of two members of his team.
According to Punch, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said the 36 year old boxer informed his family of the decision after the accident, which occurred last week.
Speaking with the newspaper on Monday, Mr Adedamola said the decision brought relief to the family, who had struggled with the emotional impact of his career.
“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,” he said.
He added that watching Joshua fight had become difficult for relatives.
“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,” he said, confirming that Joshua communicated his intention directly to the family.
The crash claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who were members of Joshua’s boxing camp.
Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele served as his personal trainer.
They were travelling with Joshua in a Lexus SUV when it collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Joshua was rescued from the vehicle and taken to hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries. Ghami and Ayodele were pronounced dead at the scene.
After the incident, Joshua pledged to support the families of the deceased.
He later posted photos with the families on Instagram, captioned “My Brothers Keeper,” with heart emojis and a military helmet symbol.
Joshua also attended the funeral service for Ghami and Ayodele at the London Central Mosque on Sunday, where Janaza prayers were held before burial rites later in the day.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has charged the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Kayode, with causing death by dangerous driving and related offences.
Mr Kayode has denied the charges and the case has been adjourned until January 20.
Joshua was born in Watford to Nigerian parents and had been in Nigeria on holiday following his December 19 knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
