Eddie Hearn has provided an update on Anthony Joshua.
Following the tragic events that took place in Nigeria, Hearn has revealed a conversation with Joshua.
On December 29, reports came out of Nigeria of a car crash that took place around 12pm local time.
‘AJ’ was out in Nigeria for some time off following his most recent win against Jake Paul just 10 days earlier.
Two of Joshua’s close friends and teammates Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele tragically lost their lives in the accident.
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Their funerals took place on 4th January where friends and family came out to pay tribute.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn spoke to Sky Sports Boxing about the tragic incident.
“It was such a terrible and horrific incident.
“Two people who were unbelievably close to him and two guys who were full of energy and full of passion.
“They were full of commitment to ‘AJ’ and his team as well.
“They were team mates but they were also some of his best friends.”
Hearn continued to discuss the time Joshua will need and the privacy he needs in a time like this.
“I know that he will take his time and he will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
“Before he makes a decision on his future.”
Hearn believes Joshua will box again one day, but explained that is not of importance during a tough period of grief.
“I do think he is going to return to boxing but that will be his decision when the time is right.
“It is certainly not a conversation that I will be having with him any time soon.
“The only conversation is ‘are you okay?’
“Sometimes we find people will give a facade of being okay but obviously what happened to him is not normal and it is heartbreaking for everybody involved.
“I do [expect Anthony Joshua to have an extended spell out of the sport] and I don’t think is a conversation anyone is comfortably having in terms of asking what could be next or what he is thinking.
“When the time is right I believe he will make his decision and you will hear it from him.
“The future of Anthony Joshua will be told by Anthony Joshua and that is the only voice you should listen to.”
Joshua was set to return to the ring in February before facing off with long-term rival Tyson Fury at some point in the year.
Fury and ‘AJ’ have been on a collision course to fight each other for over a decade now but plans for the fight have understandably been put on hold for now.
