Eddie Hearn reflects on recent Anthony Joshua meeting

On December 29, former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was injured and hospitalised in stable condition in Lagos, Nigeria, following a car crash that killed two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele (Latz), who were passengers in the vehicle and members of his training team. 

Since the tragic accident, speculation has mounted regarding Joshua’s future in the sport. Eddie Hearn recently spoke to The Stomping Ground about his recent meeting with AJ, reflecting on the tragedy and his thoughts regarding Joshua’s future.

Driver appears in court over fatal car crash involving Anthony Joshua

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, faces four charges in connection with the December crash, which killed the boxer’s friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Kayode was charged with dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid national driver’s licence. He recently appeared at Sagamu Magistrate Court in southwestern Ogun State, where the case was adjourned until February 25 at the prosecution’s request. The tragedy shocked the boxing world, including his own promoter, Eddie Hearn, who recently posted a photo of himself and AJ.

Reflecting on that meeting with Anthony Joshua, Hearn said to The Stomping Ground:

“It’s the first time I’ve seen him since. We’ve been talking, and it’s never the same as actually looking someone in the eye, feeling their presence, and showing your support. So, it was good. We had a good time. I’m going to probably try and spend a bit more time with him over the next couple of weeks.

“You can tell he’s hurting. I think there’s no doubt about it. I think you can try and be as positive as you can, and Anthony’s one of the most positive people I’ve ever met in my life. He’s lost two of his closest friends. Two guys that lived with him. They talked every night. They had dreams. They had plans, and they’ll never be…these guys aren’t replaceable, and I think it’s going to take time.”

Eddie Hearn discusses Sina and Latz and looks to Anthony Joshua’s future

Reflecting on the aftermath of the car crash and Anthony Joshua’s focus moving forward, Hearn said:

“I’ve never really been around this kind of situation before. I can’t even imagine what he’s feeling or how the nights go or how the pain feels. I think at times like that, you can just do your best to be there for someone and the people around AJ as well. AJ’s very focused on families, obviously of Sina and Latz, and making sure they’re looked after.

“I’ve never been around them, where they weren’t anything but positive, lighting up a room and laughing and joking and smiling. I think they’ll always be remembered. Boxing-wise, it’s not the time, and I don’t know what he’ll do, honestly. I wouldn’t really rule out anything, but I know that whatever he does, he wants to carry on in their names.”