Eddie Hearn provides update on Anthony Joshua’s future

Eddie Hearn provides update on Anthony Joshua’s future

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has offered an encouraging update on Anthony Joshua’s boxing future following the tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of the fighter’s closest friends.

The 36-year-old former world heavyweight champion was involved in the fatal crash in December, just weeks after his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul.

The accident resulted in the deaths of team members Sina Ghami and Lateef “Latz” Ayodele, leaving the former heavyweight champion in deep mourning.

Read Also: Anthony Joshua quells retirement fears, returns to training weeks after fatal car crash

Despite the tragedy, Hearn believes Joshua is gradually preparing himself, mentally and emotionally, for a possible return to the ring.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hearn revealed he recently held a face-to-face meeting with Anthony Joshua and suggested the boxer is likely to continue his career in tribute to his fallen friends.

“I think he will fight on, and I think he’ll do it in their honour, but it’s not going to be easy,” Hearn said. “It almost feels like, being with him recently, boxing saved him, and it will probably save him again.”

Hearn explained that the Nigerian-born British boxer is preparing himself for a potential return to training, stressing the importance of having focus during such a difficult period.

He also confirmed that while Joshua sustained injuries in the accident that will take time to heal, they are not expected to have any long-term impact on his boxing career.

“After the Jake Paul fight, he was on such a high,” Hearn added. “Last year was painful for him, coming off the defeat to Dubois. Seeing him so happy after that win and then having this happen is devastating.

“He’s an inspiration. I always say, ‘This too shall pass. People think that saying only applies to bad times, but it reflects both sides of the fence.”

Before the tragedy, momentum had been building toward a long-awaited all-British heavyweight showdown between Joshua and Tyson Fury, with the ‘Gypsy King’ expected to return to action later this year.

Hearn’s comments suggest that the door remains open for the blockbuster bout in 2026, although any plans will depend largely on Joshua’s emotional recovery as much as his physical readiness.

“I think he will fight on,” Hearn reiterated. “And I think he’ll do it in their honour, but it won’t be easy.”

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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