Usyk Backs Joshua to Return to Boxing After Tragic Car Crash

Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has expressed confidence that his former rival, Anthony Joshua, will make a comeback to the ring despite suffering a devastating personal loss.

Last month, the British-Nigerian boxer was involved in a car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two of his close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami—both integral members of his team. Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, was a passenger in a black Lexus that collided with a stationary truck in Makun.

Speaking to Ready to Fight, Usyk revealed that he has spoken with Joshua since the tragic incident and believes the 36-year-old still has the heart to fight on.

“I’ve already spoken with him,” Usyk said. “I heard a desire to continue in his voice—for the friends he lost and for the chance at life that the Lord gave him.”

The Ukrainian boxer, who defeated Joshua twice in 2021 and 2022, shared a personal reflection, recalling words from the mother of a fallen comrade: “She told me, ‘Oleksandr, he would be proud that you are continuing your work; he’s watching from heaven.’ I believe the same for my loved ones—they are my guardian angels in the ring.”

Joshua had been rumored to face Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated bout this year, but those plans are currently on hold. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, said Joshua needs time to recover emotionally and mentally before making decisions about his future.

“He will need his time—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually—before deciding what comes next,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “I do believe he’ll return to boxing, but only when he’s ready. Right now, the only conversation is, ‘Are you OK?’ What happened was heartbreaking and not something anyone can easily process.”

Despite the tragedy, Joshua has begun to show signs of resilience. Earlier this week, he posted a video from a training session in Dubai, captioned: “Mental strength therapy.