Anthony Joshua career hangs in balance as promoter makes stark admission
Promoter Eddie Hearn has admitted there are “no guarantees” Anthony Joshua will ever fight again following the tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends.
Hearn calls for patience after trauma
While the Matchroom Boxing chief expects the heavyweight star to eventually return, he insists the priority remains the fighter’s recovery.
The former two-time world champion was injured in a collision on 29 December which resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Hearn emphasised that the Watford-born boxer must be allowed indefinite time to process the traumatic event before making any professional decisions.
“I don’t think there is any guarantees he fights again, but at the same time I expect him to because it is something that he loves,” Hearn told First Round TV.
Hearn believes the sport could eventually offer a path forward for the grieving athlete.
“It is something he can carry those guys with him through as well and it is something he wants to do.”
Physical toll worse than feared
Beyond the emotional impact, the physical injuries sustained by the Olympic gold medallist appear more significant than initially publicised.
Joshua had recently stopped Jake Paul in Miami, a victory that was supposed to pave the way for a 2026 super-fight.
“From a boxing sense, physically it wasn’t easy what he went through either. People probably don’t realise the extent of that,” Hearn revealed.
Although the British superstar has been present in the gym, he is not yet medically cleared for combat training.
“He has been training, but he is not ready yet and won’t be for a while to return to boxing training.”
Fury showdown plans shelved
The accident has completely derailed the boxing calendar, with a planned March bout now cancelled.
Consequently, the long-awaited undisputed clash with Tyson Fury is now in serious jeopardy.
“Obviously, that is not happening now and I don’t know if it will ever happen right now,” Hearn added regarding the Fury fight.
The promoter indicated that the next month will be crucial as Joshua attempts to “turn the dial up” on his rehabilitation.