Anthony Joshua Returns After Nigeria Crash Kills Trainer Latif Ayodele And Coach Sina Ghami

Anthony Joshua was slightly injured in a road accident in Nigeria in December, when the Jeep he was travelling in collided with a stationary truck and killed two of his close friends, his personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami.

The crash occurred in the town of Makun on the highway linking Lagos and Ibadan at 11 a.m. local time, and Ogun State Police said Joshua was sitting in the back of the vehicle and was lightly injured and receiving medical care.

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Joshua later said he is preparing to make his first return to the boxing ring since the accident, and the BBC reported that he will face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on 25 July.

At a launch press conference in London, Joshua told The Independent that he has to put his emotion to the side because he is focused on the parents, and he said his emotions can come at a later stage.

His promoter Eddie Hearn said he had concerns whether Joshua would return at all, describing a period of "six months" after the accident in which Joshua was physically seriously damaged and mentally and emotionally could only be imagined.

Joshua framed his comeback around the families of the men who died, telling The Independent: "I’m just there for their parents. Number one is being a good soldier for them."

In the same interview, Joshua said, "My emotions can come at a later stage, but I really look at their parents and understand that it must be most difficult for them."

BBC

Eddie Hearn, speaking ahead of Joshua’s return, said he did not know whether Joshua would ever be the same after the accident, adding, "After the accident, you never know if you’re ever going to be the same."

The BBC also quoted Joshua’s approach on the 5 Live Boxing podcast, where he said, "As a soldier, I stand strong for their parents first and foremost."

At the London news conference, Joshua came face to face with Prenga for the first time, and the BBC reported Joshua said, "I’ve still got that fire and I belong here" as he appeared relaxed and in good spirits.

Joshua’s next fight is set for 25 July against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, with the BBC describing Prenga as a heavy underdog and noting Prenga has a record of 20 wins, all by stoppage, and one defeat.

“AFP - British boxer Anthony Joshua injured in a car accident in Nigeria; his coach and his fitness trainer killed”

Eurosport

The BBC said victory would clear the path for a long-awaited showdown against Tyson Fury later this year, with October or November described as the likely target dates.

Eddie Hearn told the 5 Live Boxing podcast that plans had been in place to fight Rico Verhoeven in March before taking on Fury in August, and he said 10 days after the crash the world came crashing down.

Prenga said he is training hard and told the BBC, "I think I’m going to shock the world," while Joshua replied, "I want you to come into the ring and give me no respect and try to do what you think you do best."

Beyond the immediate bout, the BBC reported Fury is also planning an interim bout, potentially in Dublin on 1 August, and Joshua said he will prove himself this year by keeping proving it moving forward.