Anthony Joshua has already decided on his retirement from boxing, according to a family member.
The comments arrive as Joshua recovers from a horrific car crash in Nigeria and land just as long-time rival Tyson Fury confirms his own return to the ring.
For fans still hoping to see Britain’s biggest heavyweight fight, the timing could hardly be worse.
Joshua survived a serious road traffic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway in Ogun State. The crash killed his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach Sina Ghami.
Joshua left the hospital with what doctors described as minor injuries, though questions remain around his recovery.
He has not spoken publicly since the crash.
‘He has retired from boxing’
In the days that followed, a man claiming to be Joshua’s uncle told Nigerian outlet The Punch that the boxer had decided to retire after family discussions.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” he said. “That is one thing that makes us glad.
“Each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally. Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest.
“All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
Joshua has not confirmed the claim. Reports in the UK say he has made no final decision on his career and has not announced retirement to those closest to him.
Before the accident, Joshua had reignited interest in his future with a viral knockout of Jake Paul in Miami. He followed it by calling out Fury and reopening talk of a long-discussed all-British clash.
Fury announces boxing return
While Joshua remains silent, Fury has moved quickly.
On January 6, Fury confirmed his return to professional boxing, 12 months after announcing his retirement following consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
“2026 is that year, return of The Mac,” Fury said on social media. “Been away for a while but I’m back now. 37 years old and still punching. Nothing better to do than punch men in the face and get paid for it.”
Fury later expanded on his decision and rejected the idea that money played a role.
“For me, there’s nothing else other than the fight game,” he said. “It’s not for financial gain; I could have retired 10 years ago.
“I’ve made an absolute fortune. It’s mainly about the love of the fight game and the sport.”
