Anthony Joshua’s family have pledged their complete backing if the former heavyweight champion chooses to return to boxing. The decision comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Joshua’s career after a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his strength coach, Sina Ghami, and personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Joshua himself was hospitalized following the incident but has since been discharged and is reportedly focusing on recovery.
In an exclusive interview with Punch, Joshua’s uncle, Ademola Joshua, offered a candid perspective on the family’s stance. “We are proud of him, very proud,” he said. “The way we, the elderly, think is different from theirs, but it is entirely his decision. He makes the final call, and we respect whatever he chooses.”
The family’s support is tempered by the emotional strain they have experienced throughout Joshua’s career. Ademola Joshua described the toll of watching him fight as heavy and persistent. “Each time he’s knocked down, it feels like our hearts are coming out of our chest. All the emotions whenever he’s fighting — it’s a lot of trauma for us too,” he said. Despite the stress and anxiety that come with watching a loved one in the ring, the family is united in their willingness to back Joshua, whatever path he chooses next.
The tragedy in Nigeria has added a new layer of complexity to Joshua’s future. Losing two members of his inner team has forced him to reevaluate both his personal life and professional ambitions. Sources close to the boxer suggest he is taking time to reflect before making any decision about returning to the ring. The family’s open support, however, signals a strong safety net and a stable emotional foundation, which could be crucial in his next steps.
Joshua’s career has always been marked by high stakes and intense scrutiny. From early victories that established him as a dominant heavyweight to setbacks that tested his resilience, his journey has been both celebrated and critiqued. The family’s statement underscores the human side of his professional life: the invisible weight carried by those who watch from the sidelines, experiencing victories and defeats as intensely as the athlete himself.
Whether Joshua decides to retire or make a comeback, his family’s commitment ensures he will not face the decision alone. Their backing emphasizes that career choices, particularly in professional sports, are intertwined with personal well-being and the support networks that surround athletes. For Joshua, this moment represents more than a career decision. It is a reckoning with loss, reflection on purpose, and consideration of what motivates him to step back into a world defined by discipline, risk, and high public expectations.
Anthony Joshua’s path forward remains uncertain, but the family’s support provides clarity in one area: his decisions will be respected and supported unconditionally. The emotional investment his family has shown reinforces the reality that boxing is not just a career but a shared experience with those who care most deeply for him. As fans and analysts watch closely, the focus may shift from speculation to understanding the personal stakes that accompany any professional decision Joshua chooses to make.
