Anthony Joshua returns to training after fatal car crash in Nigeria
Former two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has taken a significant step in his recovery, returning to the gym nearly three weeks after a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and training partners.
The 36-year-old British-Nigerian boxer shared footage on social media showing himself back at work — hitting pads, pedalling on a stationary bike, and moving through light fitness drills — describing the session as “mental strength therapy.”
Joshua’s return to training marks a deeply emotional moment in the wake of a life-changing accident that has reverberated throughout the sports world.
The tragic accident and its aftermath
On December 29, 2025, Joshua was involved in a horrific car collision on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in southern Nigeria while on holiday following his TKO win over Jake Paul in Miami just days earlier.
The SUV in which he was travelling collided with a stationary truck, killing Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, a long-time trainer and close friend. Joshua himself was injured but survived.
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Following the crash, he was hospitalised, treated, and discharged after a brief stay in Lagos before returning to the UK. He also attended the funerals of his two friends in London, offering tributes that resonated around the world.
The driver of the vehicle has since been charged with various offences, including dangerous driving and driving without due care or a valid licence.
Back in the Gym — A step toward healing
In clips posted to Snapchat and other social platforms, Joshua can be seen engaging in a mixture of boxing practice and conditioning work. A clip showed him striking pads with a trainer, followed by footage of him on an exercise bike and engaging in aquatic fitness — part of a recovery programme designed to build physical strength while respecting the emotional weight of recent events.
One message accompanying the footage read simply: “I am a fighter,” underscoring his mindset during this difficult time.
Although light compared to the intense preparation usually associated with heavyweight camp work, this return to physical activity is widely seen as an important milestone in Joshua’s rehabilitation.
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What Promoter and Camp are saying
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has emphasised that no decisions about his return to competitive boxing will be rushed. According to Hearn, Joshua needs time to heal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually before making any choice about his future in the sport.
Hearn expressed confidence that Joshua’s fighting spirit endures, but also stressed that his wellbeing and recovery take priority over speculation about future matches or title challenges.
Boxing world reacts amid uncertainty
The crash and its impact have sparked conversations across the boxing community. Colleagues, rivals and fans alike have shared messages of support, reflecting not just concern for Joshua’s career but deep sympathy for the loss of two key figures in his inner circle.
While the road ahead remains uncertain in terms of titles and future bouts, Joshua’s early return to gym work offers a glimpse of the resilience that defined his rise to global prominence.
Whatever comes next, Joshua’s journey through recovery and tribute to his lost friends continues to draw attention from sports fans worldwide.
SportsLigue