A shadow hangs over the boxing world as whispers emerge of Anthony Joshua’s potential retirement. The news follows a devastating tragedy in Nigeria, where a vehicle carrying the former heavyweight champion was involved in a fatal crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
While Joshua escaped with minor injuries, the loss of two close companions – Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele – has profoundly impacted him. Their sudden deaths occurred just days after Joshua’s decisive victory over Jake Paul in Miami, a win now overshadowed by immense grief.
Funerals were held for Ghami and Ayodele at a London mosque, attended by Joshua who publicly mourned the loss, sharing a poignant image with the families of his friends and a simple message: ‘My Brothers Keeper.’ The boxing community remains largely silent, awaiting official word on Joshua’s future.
However, a claim from Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has ignited speculation. He revealed to a Nigerian news outlet that his nephew has decided to step away from the sport. The decision, according to his uncle, brings a sense of relief to the family.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” Adedamola stated. “Each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele was more than just a trainer; he was a long-time friend, present since Joshua’s world title win in 2016. A dedicated Muslim, having converted in 2012, Ayodele’s Instagram feed showcased a close bond with Joshua, filled with gym sessions and moments of shared laughter.
Just hours before the tragedy, a video surfaced of Joshua and Ayodele enjoying a friendly game of table tennis, a stark reminder of the joy now lost. Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world, including New Zealand rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams, recognizing Ayodele’s impact.
Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for over a decade, was equally integral to his success. He co-founded Evolve Gym in London, specializing in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise. Ghami was a constant presence, even during Joshua’s iconic victory against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium.
His final Instagram story captured Joshua’s motorcade winding through the streets of Lagos, a bittersweet image now imbued with sorrow. The family’s emotional toll during Joshua’s fights was immense, a constant source of anxiety and stress.
The possibility of a highly anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury now seems distant. While the fight has been discussed for years, Fury’s promoter recently suggested it wouldn’t happen before late 2026, and even questioned whether Joshua would return to the ring at all.
The focus, however, remains on the profound loss and the healing process for Joshua and his family. The future of his boxing career is secondary to the grief and the desire for peace of mind, a sentiment echoed by his uncle’s words: “All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also.”
