Eddie Hearn’s honest take on what Anthony Joshua will do next

Former  two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was injured and hospitalised in stable condition in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 29, 2025, 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 crash, Joshua has understandably been grieving, but speculation has been constant, with people discussing whether Joshua will return to boxing. Eddie Hearn appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show, where he discussed the importance of boxing to AJ and whether we can expect to see the former champion in the ring.

Driver appears in court over crash involving Anthony Joshua

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, faces four charges in connection with the crash involving Anthony Joshua, 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. 

Eddie Hearn discusses Anthony Joshua’s future

Talking to Helwani about Joshua’s future, Hearn said:

“After the Jake Paul fight, [Anthony Joshua] was on such a high. Last year was painful for him, coming off the defeat to Dubois… Just seeing him so happy after the Jake Paul fight, and then that happens — it’s devastating.

“He’s an inspiration. He really is. And that’s life. I always say, ‘This too shall pass.’ It’s one of the great sayings. People think that saying is only for when you’re having a bad time, but actually, it’s reflective on both sides of the fence.

“It almost feels like, being with him recently, boxing saved him — and it will probably save him again. I think he will fight on, and I think he’ll do it in their honor, but it’s not going to be easy.”