Joshua’s Future Uncertain Following Fatal Year-End Tragedy

​The boxing world remains in a state of suspense as promoter Eddie Hearn admits there are “no guarantees” Anthony Joshua will ever return to the ring. The two-time heavyweight champion is currently grappling with the physical and psychological aftermath of a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of two of his closest confidants.

​On December 29, 2025, Joshua was involved in a high-speed crash that killed friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. While the 36-year-old fighter escaped with minor physical injuries, the emotional toll appears to have halted a career that was recently revitalized by a dominant sixth-round stoppage of Jake Paul.

​A Career on Hold

​Speaking with First Round TV, Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn offered a somber update on his star fighter’s mindset. While Joshua has teased a return via social media—labeling his recent gym sessions “mental strength therapy”—Hearn cautioned that a professional comeback is far from a formality.

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​”I don’t think there are any guarantees he fights again,” Hearn stated. “Physically, it wasn’t easy what he went through either. People probably don’t realize the extent of that. He’s training, but he’s not ready yet to return to the rigors of a full boxing camp.”

​The “Battle of Britain” in Jeopardy

​The timing of the tragedy is particularly cruel for boxing fans. Following his December 19 victory, Joshua and Tyson Fury appeared finally destined for their long-awaited “Battle of Britain.” Fury has already announced his return against Arslanbek Makhmudov for April 11, but the Joshua camp has been forced to scrap all immediate plans.

​”Before this terrible incident, we were geared up to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury,” Hearn admitted. “I don’t know if it will ever happen right now.”

​For now, Joshua is taking small steps. After months of seclusion, he was recently spotted cage-side at a PFL event in Dubai. Whether that appearance signals a rekindled spark for combat sports or merely a brief outing for a man in mourning remains to be seen. As Hearn noted, the next few months will be critical in determining if “AJ” will lace up the gloves one last time to honor the memory of the friends he lost.