Imagine losing close friends in a tragic accident – it's a pain that cuts deep. Now, picture that happening to a global icon like Anthony Joshua. His future in boxing now hangs in the balance, and according to promoter Eddie Hearn, only Joshua himself can decide what comes next.
Following the devastating car crash in Nigeria last month that claimed the lives of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Adoyele, Joshua, though sustaining minor injuries requiring hospital treatment, faces a challenge far greater than any opponent in the ring. Hearn, speaking to Sky Sports News, expressed his belief that Joshua will need a significant amount of time away from boxing to grieve and recover. This tragedy is made all the more poignant by the fact that Joshua himself was in the vehicle.
"Yeah, I do," Hearn stated when asked if he anticipates Joshua taking an extended break. "That's not a conversation that I think anyone's comfortable in having in terms of asking what could be next or what he's thinking."
Hearn emphasized the need to respect Joshua's space and allow him the time he needs to process such a profound loss. "That's something that has to come next. You need someone to have their time and to just be left alone, really, to get over, like I said, not just a terrible incident, but just one that you can never prepare for in life. You never, ever want to see anybody you know in any kind of this situation."
"It's heartbreaking. And when the time is right, I believe he will make his decision. You'll hear it from him."
And this is the part most people miss: Hearn isn't just talking about physical recovery. He's acknowledging the immense emotional and psychological toll this event has taken on Joshua. It's a situation no amount of training or preparation could have equipped him for. It highlights the human side of these athletes, often obscured by the bright lights and intense competition.
"The future of Anthony Joshua will be told by Anthony Joshua. And that's the only voice you should listen to in that respect," Hearn declared, underlining the importance of allowing Joshua to dictate his own narrative.
Hearn's comments serve as a powerful reminder that beyond the boxing ring, these athletes are individuals with lives, relationships, and vulnerabilities. He is affording Joshua the respect and space that he needs at this moment.
"And we'll give him his time to make that decision and to heal specifically in many different ways," Hearn continued. "What happened to him is not normal and it's heartbreaking for everybody involved, particularly the families of Sina and Latz, who were so incredibly loved."
Joshua himself posted a heartfelt tribute to Adoyele and Ghami on social media, further illustrating the depth of his grief. (https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/13492030/anthony-joshua-posts-heartfelt-tribute-to-friends-killed-in-nigeria-car-crash)
Hearn reiterated that any decision about Joshua's return to boxing will be made by Joshua himself, in his own time. "I think AJ, as we've seen in the past on boxing-related stuff, he's always a kind of brave-faced guy," Hearn told Sky Sports News. "This, of course, is very different to that. But I know that he'll take his time and he'll need his time physically and mentally, emotionally, spiritually before he makes a decision on his future."
He added, "I do think he's going to want to return to boxing, but that'll be his decision when the time's right. It's certainly not a conversation that I'll be having with him anytime soon."
"The only conversation now is [asking], are you okay?"
"Our thoughts are, of course, not just with the families of Sina and Latz, but with AJ as well. We pray for him every day."
But here's where it gets controversial... While Hearn's stance is undoubtedly compassionate, some might argue that the boxing world is a business, and prolonged inactivity could impact Joshua's standing and earning potential. Is it entirely selfless, or is there a calculated element to allowing Joshua complete control over his return? Some might feel that regardless of the circumstances, the sport moves on, and Joshua’s absence, however understandable, creates opportunities for others.
Ultimately, the decision rests solely with Anthony Joshua. It's a testament to his position in the sport that he holds such power over his future. But the question remains: what will he choose, and when will he be ready to step back into the ring? Do you think Joshua should take as much time as HE needs, regardless of outside pressure, or do you feel there's a point where he needs to consider the business side of boxing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
