Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua’s boxing career remains on hold, as he processes the tragic losses of two of his close friends and team members.
Joshua sustained minor injuries and spent two days in hospital after the SUV he was travelling in crashed into a stationary truck in Nigeria last month.
The crash left Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami – two of the former heavyweight champion’s close friends – dead at the scene.
The incident came just 10 days after Joshua’s sixth round knockout over Jake Paul in Miami.
‘AJ’ was in attendance at the funerals for both Ayodele and Ghami in London on Sunday and Hearn – his career-long promoter – says there will be no discussions over future ring plans for the time being.
“I think to be honest at this stage, it’s definitely a no comment from us,” he said to talkSPORT.
“Just because of the respect to Anthony.
“Obviously with everything he’s been through with the tragic loss of Sina and Latz.
“At the moment, Anthony needs time. Time and privacy.
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“There will be no conversations from us about a career, any moves, what’s next.
“This is a terrible tragedy and Anthony’s going to need his own time, physically and emotionally.
“And at the moment, there’s nothing to discuss or say.
“Let’s give him his time and pray for him and of course all the families involved in this terrible incident.”
A conversation between Joshua and former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman surfaced on social media on Thursday with ‘AJ’ admitting the tragedy still hasn’t sunk in for him.
“Obviously two of my close friends passed away,” the 36-year-old said.
One was in the front and one was behind him on the right side.
“It still hasn’t hit me yet.
“Life is short, man, life is short.”
The Watford man, who bounced back from defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 with his win over Paul, was expected to finally face Tyson Fury in an all-British showdown later this year.
Fury is set to make his return this year after ending a near year-long retirement.
The 37-year-old hinted at an April return and his manager Spencer Brown told Pro Boxing Fans on Thursday that Arslanbek Makhumdov is part of the shortlist to face ‘The Gypsy King’, who has not fought since a second straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
