Anthony Joshua admits he hasn’t come to terms with the loss of his two close friends who passed away in a car crash in Nigeria last month.
Joshua sustained minor injuries in the crash which took the lives of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami after the SUV they were travelling in collided with a stationary truck.
‘AJ’ spent two days in hospital before returning to the UK for their funerals on Sunday.
Footage of a chat between Joshua and former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman surfaced on social media on Thursday, in which the Brit admitted the deaths have not sunk in.
“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.”
Usman replied: “I’m sorry for that man.”
Joshua replied: “Life is short, man, life is short.”
The driver of the car has been charged by police with death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and driving without a valid driver’s licence – according to the BBC.
The 46-year-old was granted bail 5,000,000 Naira (£2,578) and remanded in custody pending his bail requirements being met, with the case adjourned until January 20.
‘AJ’ was on holiday in Nigeria celebrating his December victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
Joshua stopped the YouTuber-turned-boxer in the sixth round of his return to the ring after 15 months out.
The Watford man was expected to finally face long-time rival Tyson Fury later this year, but his career plans remain unknown following the car crash.
Fury announced his comeback to the sport on Sunday after announcing his retirement last January following a second straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Speaking on Tuesday, ‘The Gypsy King’ insists his return is not motivated by financial reasons.
“For me, there’s nothing else other than the fight game,” he said on an Instagram video.
“I love this fight game.
“It’s not for financial gain. I could have retired 10 years ago.
“I’ve made an absolute fortune. It’s not about the money, although I always want a good deal.
“It’s mainly about the love of the fight game and the sport.”
