Two-time heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has expressed confidence that Anthony Joshua will return to the boxing ring following the tragic death of two close friends and team members in a car crash in Nigeria.
Joshua was a passenger in a black Lexus involved in a fatal collision with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Makun, Ogun State. The accident claimed the lives of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both of whom were longtime friends of the British boxer and played key roles within his professional team.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, speculation emerged over Joshua’s future in boxing, with some suggesting the former unified heavyweight champion might consider retirement due to the emotional toll of the loss.
However, Usyk, who defeated Joshua in their world title bouts in 2021 and 2022, said he has spoken directly with his former rival and believes the 36-year-old remains determined to continue his career.
“I’ve already spoken with him [Joshua],” Usyk told Ready to Fight. “I heard a desire to continue in his voice – for the friends he lost and for the chance to live that the Lord gave him.”
Usyk added that personal experience has shaped his perspective on perseverance in the face of loss, recalling a conversation with the mother of a fallen comrade. “She told me, ‘Oleksandr, he would be very proud that you are continuing your work; he will watch you from heaven,’” Usyk said.
Joshua, a former Olympic champion and two-time heavyweight titleholder, has yet to make a public statement on his next steps in the sport. However, Usyk’s comments suggest the British boxer is drawing strength from the memory of his late friends as he considers his future.
