The storied career of former two-time unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has reached a sudden and somber conclusion. Following a horrific vehicular accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two pivotal members of his inner circle, family sources confirm the 36-year-old pugilist has decided to walk away from the squared circle for good.
The boxing world was plunged into mourning following the events of December 29, 2025. What was meant to be a period of reflection in Nigeria turned into a catastrophe when a high-speed crash claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Both men were not merely employees; they were the architectural pillars of “Team Joshua,” accompanying the champion through the highest peaks and deepest valleys of his professional journey. Sources close to the fighter describe him as “emotionally shattered,” grappling with a loss that no amount of championship gold can offset.
The Uncle’s Revelation: “He Has Retired”
While speculation regarding Joshua’s future has been rife since his last outing, the definitive word came from the Joshua family ancestral home in Sagamu, Ogun State. Speaking to the press during a period of mourning, the boxer’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, broke the news that the gloves are officially being hung up.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” Adedamola disclosed. “That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally.”
For the Joshua family, the retirement brings a bittersweet sense of relief. The constant anxiety of heavyweight combat has been replaced by a different kind of grief, but one that ensures the champion’s safety moving forward.
The gravity of the loss was etched on Joshua’s face this past Sunday at the London Central Mosque. Hundreds of mourners gathered to witness an emotional Janaza (Islamic funeral prayer). The coffins of Ghami and Ayodele sat side by side—a haunting visual representation of the void left in Joshua’s life.
Following the service, a private cremation and wake were held, marking the beginning of a long road to recovery for the man who once stood at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
Joshua’s Legacy at a Glance
Statistic Record/Detail
Professional Record 28 Wins, 4 Losses
Knockouts 25
Major Titles Held WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO
Career Defining Moment Defeating Wladimir Klitschko (2017)
Age at Retirement 36
