Anthony Joshua ‘set to retire’ from boxing as uncle gives update on future after car crash

Anthony Joshua is now ready to retire from boxing, his uncle Adedamola Joshua has suggested.

Joshua defeated Jake Paul in a routine demolition job in December last year, securing a big payday and setting up a big 2026.

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It was believed that AJ has agreed his end of a deal to finally settle his bitter rivalry with Tyson Fury this year, with a return to take place beforehand in February or March.

But his world was turned upside down as he suffered minor injuries in a car accident in Nigeria last week, which killed two of his best friends Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Joshua was hospitalised and received medical treatment before returning home to the UK.

And he recently attended the funeral of his two long-term team members at London Central Mosque.

Naturally given the serious nature of the tragedy, many have questioned if Joshua will ever return to the ring again.

And according to his uncle Adedamola, he has thrown his last punch in the squared circle.

He told PUNCH in a bombshell update: “The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing.

“That is one thing that makes us glad because 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.”

Adeniyi Orojo

Joshua’s relative later suggested that he had indeed informed those close to him of his decision.

What was planned for Joshua’s return?

Joshua looked set to make his latest appearance in the ring in February or March.

An opponent had yet to be confirmed but discussions were being held over a return, with kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in the pipeline.

It was expected to be a run-out for the former two-time world champion, who was looking to continue his bounce back after losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

But promoter Eddie Hearn had even indicated he was ready to meet WBO world champion Fabio Wardley, a preferred option if he was to step in the ring again in 2026.

He said before Joshua’s recent accident: “That’s the world heavyweight title. That’s actually AJ’s preference over Tyson Fury.

“AJ would love to win the world heavyweight title again.”