EDDIE HEARN ISSUES VITAL UPDATE: ANTHONY JOSHUA WILL DECIDE BOXING FUTURE WHEN READY
Is AJ retiring? Eddie Hearn discusses Anthony Joshua’s boxing future following the loss of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Eddie Hearn just gave an update on Anthony Joshua, who’s already back in the gym, only weeks after losing two close friends in a car accident. Joshua, 36, was in a terrible crash in Nigeria—he survived, but his friends and team members, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, didn’t make it.
Joshua came out with just minor injuries. He’d actually switched seats right before the trip, which probably saved his life. Now, he’s been seen training again, lacing up his gloves in Dubai.
Hearn, who’s promoted Joshua for years at Matchroom Boxing, met up with him recently and posted about it on Instagram: “Great to catch up with @anthonyjoshua today.” He called Joshua’s resilience “inspiring” but said the loss is hitting hard. Hearn said Joshua is taking his time, and he’s grateful for all the support and love people have shown for Latz and Sina.
Ever since the crash, people have been speculating about Joshua’s future in boxing. Hearn made it clear Joshua’s not rushing back—he’s taking a real break. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said, “No one really wants to talk about what’s next for him right now. That’s a conversation for later.”
He added, “You just have to give someone space to process something like this. It’s not just a bad situation—it’s one you can never prepare for. No one wants to see a friend go through this.”
“It’s heartbreaking. When he’s ready, he’ll decide what’s next. You’ll hear it from him, and that’s the only voice that matters right now. We’ll give him all the time he needs to heal, in every way. What happened is anything but normal, and it’s devastating, especially for the families of Sina and Latz. Those guys were so loved.”
Joshua hasn’t said anything publicly about his plans for boxing yet. Earlier this month, though, he posted a moving tribute to Ayodele and Ghami on social media.
He wrote, “Thank you for all the love and care you’ve shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they were. I’d just be walking and joking with them, not knowing God put me in the presence of great men.
“It’s definitely tough for me, but I know it’s even harder for their parents. I’m strong, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
Meanwhile, proceedings against the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, are set to be reopened on Tuesday. He’s facing charges for causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and not having a valid licence.
THE ROAD TO THE RING: HOW TYSON FURY AND AJ FINALLY SIGNED THEIR CAREER-DEFINING CONTRACT
It is finally happening: Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is a done deal. Learn more about the planned fight and AJ's upcoming July warm-up.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have agreed to fight in November, but it looks like both might squeeze in warm-up bouts before their big showdown.
Fury just got back in the ring earlier this month, outpointing Arslanbek Makhmudov in what was his first fight since losing a second time to Oleksandr Usyk in 202. At first, Fury said he’d only face Joshua next, but he’s starting to rethink that now that AJ officially signed on for their November fight.
Joshua’s set to fight Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on July 25, and Fury might do something similar to stay sharp. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, told talkSPORT, “Tyson may want another fight to keep him ticking over; we’ll see. Tyson signed up for it months ago, but AJ’s on board now, so it’s happening. Looks like October. It’s a great fight, finally. The timing depends on venue availability.”
After beating Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury said he’d already signed the contract with Joshua. It got awkward after the decision. Fury grabbed the mic, called Joshua out, and tried to get him in the ring. Joshua just sat there, not moving, not saying a word.
Fury called Joshua’s reaction “a bit suspect, how he handled himself". Later, Joshua explained he wasn’t ready to say yes quite yet. He’d been in a nasty car crash in December that killed two close friends. Joshua said, “I was in a serious incident. There’s real stuff happening in my life. I’m not ducking anyone. Once I’m 100 per cent, I’ll fight.” His only fight in the last 19 months was a win over YouTuber Jake Paul.
Back then, Fury worried the fight might fall apart if Joshua decided to take a warm-up first. “He’s had his problems. We all have. God knows I’ve had problems myself. I’ve tried to kill myself before. So I get it. I’ve been up and down,” Fury said.
“I’ve been one step out of the mental institution. We’ve all got our troubles; that’s just life. If you’re in this game, you’re a boxer, or you’re not. The thing is, heavyweights can get knocked out by anybody. Even a journeyman can flatten a big name if they land the right shot.”
Fury made it clear he didn’t bring up Joshua during the build-up after his accident. “I gave him the space and respect he deserved. But he showed up today, and I asked him to step up for a fight. He should have come into the ring, but he didn’t answer. He didn’t want it. He didn’t even look like he wanted it. He just seemed stunned and didn’t know what to say.”
“Let’s get it on. For ten years, we’ve been circling each other. Still, there’s no guarantee this fight even happens next. Do I want it? Yes. But will it happen? Honestly, I have no idea.”
UNDISPUTED CHAMPION NAOYA INOUE CONFIRMS "READY STATE" AHEAD OF BLOCKBUSTER TOKYO DOME CLASH
A historic showdown: 32-0 champions Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani clash at the Tokyo Dome. Get the latest predictions and hype.
Everyone’s buzzing about the Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani showdown. It’s not just a big deal in Japan; it’s the kind of fight that’ll have the whole boxing world glued to their screens. They’re set to meet at the Tokyo Dome on May 2, and people are calling this the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history. You can feel the hype.
Both Inoue and Nakatani come in unbeaten, with matching records of 32–0. That alone turns this into something special. Inoue’s undisputed super bantamweight title is up for grabs, so the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Everyone’s got an opinion: fighters, experts, fans, and now the Moloney brothers from Australia have jumped in with their predictions. Jason Moloney knows what it’s like to face Inoue. Back in 2020, he shared the ring with him in Vegas and got stopped in the seventh. Jason respects Nakatani’s style; it’s awkward, rangy, and tricky to handle. He wonders how Inoue will crack that code but, honestly, he doesn’t see anyone beating Inoue right now. “As good as Nakatani is, I don’t think anyone can beat Inoue at the moment. I see Inoue winning the fight,” Jason said.
He talked about how Inoue’s just so well-rounded. Good at everything, no matter where the fight goes. Still, Jason pointed out Inoue’s willingness to trade his aggression makes him fun to watch, but it’s got him hurt in recent fights. Even so, Jason’s sticking to his prediction: Nakatani will have moments, but he’s backing Inoue.
Andrew Moloney fought Nakatani last year and went the distance. He sees Inoue as explosive ones with that snap in their movement and punches. Andrew respects Nakatani’s size, his speed, and his power but thinks Inoue’s footwork and explosiveness will be the difference. “Inoue’s explosiveness and foot speed will be the edge, closing the distance and letting go of those dynamite punches.”
Both Moloney brothers agree. Inoue’s got what it takes to win.
This fight’s not just about impressive records; it’s got two guys who’ve dominated their weight divisions. Inoue’s seen as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters right now. Nakatani’s got size, reach, and that unpredictable style, which could throw Inoue off. And since both men can finish a fight, expect real fireworks. This isn’t one to miss.
