Anthony Joshua releases footage of gym return for first time after car crash

Anthony Joshua is back in the gym for the first time after a car accident which killed two of his friends in Nigeria.

Joshua was hospitalised after being involved in a fatal car collision in Nigeria, which killed both Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele, who formed a key part of his team.

He was later released from hospital after days receiving medical treatment before returning to the UK to attend the funeral service of his close friends.

Joshua’s long-term boxing future was plunged into doubt after the accident, but he will need much more time before any decision is made.

However, AJ did return to the gym for the first time since the accident, documenting his visit on social media.

It was a light workout without gloves as he threw light punches into pads.

Joshua captioned the post: “Mental strength therapy.”

On his Snapchat account, he also documented his use of an exercise bike and a swimming pool.

It was Joshua’s first punches and workout since he brutally stopped Jake Paul in their December clash last year, his first fight in over a year.

Update on Joshua’s fighting future

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn does expect the Briton to fight again but insists no formal conversations have been had.

And he insists nothing will be discussed until he has had time to rest and recover from the tragic incident.

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He told talkSPORT: “To be honest at this stage, it is a no comment from us.

“Just out of respect to Anthony. With everything he has been through and the tragic loss of Sina and Latz.

“At the moment, Anthony needs time and privacy. There will be no conversations from us about his career.

“Nothing about any move or what’s next. This is a terrible tragedy and he’s going to need his own time physically and emotionally.

“There is nothing to discuss and prayers for him and the families of all those involved in this terrible incident.”

Joshua’s fight plans prior to accident

The former Olympic gold medallist had planned for a big and active 2026.

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He was expected to return in either February or March prior to events which unfolded in Nigeria.

It was expected that the bout would be a tune-up before a potential showdown with long-term rival Tyson Fury.

The pair were being targeted to meet in the second half of the year, with the ‘Gypsy King’ reversing his decision to retire.

But those plans are now on hold.