Joshua Emotionally Preparing for Return to Ring After Tragic Loss

Constantvpn.com – Anthony Joshua, the celebrated two-time heavyweight champion of the world, has revealed that he is still processing the devastating loss of two beloved companions. The boxer explained that he is not yet prepared for the full weight of losing his close friends and team members to truly sink in, even as he gears up for his first competitive appearance since their passing.

Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele tragically lost their lives when the car they were traveling in struck a stationary truck on a major highway near Lagos, Nigeria. The collision occurred on December 29, 2025, and Joshua was among those in the vehicle. The champion sustained only minor injuries in the accident, but the emotional toll has been significant.

A Champion’s Grief

The 36-year-old athlete opened up about his emotional state in a conversation with BBC Sport. He shared:

“It’s tough, every time I think about it, it hurts.”

Joshua continued, reflecting on how memories surface:

“Even talking about it now… pictures… it hurts but I keep my mind occupied you know.”

He emphasized his reluctance to fully confront the magnitude of his loss:

“If I stop, you let it sink in and I’m not ready for it to sink in yet.”

Ghami served as Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach, dedicating more than a decade to working alongside the champion. Ayodele, known affectionately as “Latz,” was a personal trainer and one of Joshua’s longest-standing friends. Just hours before the fatal crash, Joshua shared an Instagram video showing him engaged in a table tennis match with Ayodele.

Return to Competition

Joshua is scheduled to face heavyweight contender Kristian Prenga this Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This bout marks his first competitive outing since he delivered a knockout victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, which occurred ten days prior to the tragic accident. The upcoming fight against Prenga also represents Joshua’s first competitive contest since his knockout defeat to IBF world champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.

The former world champion acknowledged feeling some apprehension ahead of his return.

“It’s competition at the highest level,” he stated.

“I want to perform for my team, I want to make them proud and make myself proud.”

He added:

“It’s a balance of nerves but I understand what my job is. [I have] a lot of understanding and clarity on what I have to do.”

Fury Connection and Future Plans

Meanwhile, anticipation builds around a potential long-awaited matchup between Joshua and fellow British fighter Tyson Fury. The highly anticipated “Battle of Britain” encounter is expected to materialize later this year, contingent upon both athletes securing victories in their respective upcoming bouts.

Fury is set to face Poland’s Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand on Friday. The 46-year-old is anticipated to be his final opponent before the potential showdown with Joshua. Notably, Fury’s contest with Wach takes place the evening before Joshua’s scheduled bout against Albania’s Prenga, creating an opportunity for Fury to potentially attend his rival’s event.

Although Joshua declined Fury’s invitation to face-off in the ring following the latter’s April victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, the Olympic gold medalist acknowledged that such a meeting may not be distant.

“I’m not overlooking Prenga. This is a big deal for me this fight. God willing, everything works out.”

He elaborated:

“If it’s not Saturday night where we face-off, it will be within the next four to six weeks.”

Joshua concluded with determination:

“It’s a big mark to leave on the sport. If I win on Saturday and I could win later in the year, it’s massive. The stars are aligned and I have to make sure that I’m on course. It’s out there for me to go and do. It’s going to be challenging but I can be the coward or the hero and I have to decide what I want to be.”