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Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has expressed support for fellow fighter Anthony Joshua to return to the ring following the tragic death of two of Joshua’s close friends in a car accident last month.
The British-Nigerian boxer was involved in a crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun while a passenger in a black Lexus, which collided with a stationary truck. The accident claimed the lives of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both close friends and key members of Joshua’s team.
Usyk, who fought and defeated Joshua in 2021 and 2022, revealed that he has spoken with his former rival since the incident and believes Joshua will not retire.
“I’ve already spoken with him,” Usyk told Ready to Fight. “I heard a desire to continue in his voice—for the friends he lost and for the chance to live that the Lord gave him.”
Reflecting on the inspiration Joshua draws from loved ones lost, Usyk added, “Once I spoke with the mother of my fallen comrade, and she said: ‘Oleksandr, he would be very proud that you are continuing your work; he will watch you from heaven.’ And he, I think, does that. And not just him, but all my loved ones who passed away defending our country. They are my guardian angels who help me in the ring.”
Joshua had previously been linked with a major showdown against Tyson Fury this year, but those plans are now on hold. Promoter Eddie Hearn said Joshua will need time to recover physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually before deciding on his future.
“He will need his time… before he makes a decision on his future,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right. The only conversation is, ‘Are you OK?’ What happened to him is heartbreaking for all involved.”
Earlier this week, Joshua shared a video of himself training in Dubai, captioned: “Mental strength therapy,” signaling that he is slowly returning to physical activity and recovery.
