Summary: Boxing champion Anthony Joshua is preparing for a summer comeback fight following a devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed two lives. Will he face Tyson Fury next?
British-Nigerian boxing superstar Anthony Joshua is gearing up to make an emotional return to the ring, with plans to resume full training camp ahead of a summer comeback fight.
The 36-year-old former two-time heavyweight world champion last stepped into the ring on December 19, when he delivered a dominant performance against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, stopping him in six rounds. However, what should have been a triumphant moment quickly turned to tragedy.
The Devastating Nigeria Accident
Just ten days after his victory over Paul, Joshua was involved in a horrific road crash in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members — Kevin ‘Latz’ Ayodele and his recovery therapist, Sina Ghami.
The accident, which shocked the boxing world and sent waves of grief across Nigeria and the UK, left Joshua with physical injuries and deep emotional wounds. Since then, the heavyweight champion has been in recovery, both physically and mentally, while mourning the loss of his companions.
Ready for the Comeback
Despite the immense pain and loss, Joshua has shown remarkable resilience. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently revealed that AJ has been training at Finchley – the gym where his amateur boxing journey began – and is now preparing to return to full training camp.
Speaking to iFL TV, Hearn shared: “We’re very close to returning to training camp. And I feel like AJ is physically and perhaps mentally ready to throw himself back into that environment.”
Hearn acknowledged that while the pain of losing his friends will never fully leave, Joshua remains committed to his career and his passion for the sport.
“He has a career and he has a job to do in that respect, which he wants to continue doing. And I’m excited to see him back,” Hearn said.
The promoter also noted that training camp might be exactly what Joshua needs right now: “I feel like with fighters, they’re at their happiest when they’re in training camp. The regiment is there, the discipline is there, the focus is there.”
Tyson Fury Showdown on the Horizon?
Before the tragedy struck, Joshua had been in advanced talks to return to Saudi Arabia for a massive summer showdown with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury – a fight Nigerian and British boxing fans have been waiting years to see.
Fury himself is set for a comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has only intensified speculation about a potential Battle of Britain between the two heavyweight giants.
What’s Next for AJ?
According to Hearn, the original March fight date has now likely shifted to July, with a potential Fury mega-fight possibly happening in November if everything falls into place.
While there have been discussions about Joshua going straight into a fight with Fury, Hearn believes AJ will likely take a tune-up fight first, given everything he’s been through.
“With everything that’s happened, I expect him to have a fight first and that fight to come in the summer,” Hearn explained. “But you never know how he feels, and you might feel fantastic, and he might say, ‘Let’s go straight in.'”
However, the final decision will only be made once Joshua returns to full training camp and assesses his physical and mental readiness.
A Champion’s Spirit
Joshua’s determination to return to boxing despite such devastating personal loss demonstrates the heart of a true champion. For Nigerian fans who have always claimed AJ as one of their own – his father is from Sagamu, Ogun State – this comeback carries extra emotional weight.
As the boxing world watches and waits, one thing is certain: when Anthony Joshua steps back into the ring, he’ll be carrying the memory of his fallen friends with him, fighting not just for titles and glory, but in their honour.
What do you think? Should AJ take a warm-up fight first or go straight for Tyson Fury? Drop your comments below!
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