(Video) Anthony Joshua Makes Rare Public Appearance After Deadly Crash to Help Youth Football Team

British heavyweight Anthony Joshua finally makes long awaited public appearance at youth football academy after brutal accident.

(Video) Anthony Joshua Makes Rare Public Appearance After Deadly Crash to Help Youth Football Team

Anthony Joshua makes first public appearance (via Boxing Scene, X)

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Anthony Joshua was once one of the most feared heavyweights, known for his knockout power and ability to dominate opponents. Recent rocky title performances have slowed his momentum, though he remains a major star in the boxing world. A key event in his recent life was the nightmarish car accident in Nigeria, which kept him out of the public eye. He has now made his first appearance since that incident.

The accident in Nigeria resulted in the deaths of Joshua’s close friends and coaches, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The British heavyweight was traveling in a Lexus SUV when it crashed into a stationary truck on the highway. He sustained minor injuries, while both Ayodele and Ghami were killed on impact. Authorities investigated the scene, and the vehicle sustained heavy damage in the collision.

Following the accident, Joshua’s only public appearance came at the private funeral of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The service was closed to the public and media, with no official statements released. He was recently seen in London at Capital City Academy while a youth football team was practicing. Joshua looked in good health, interacted with youngsters, and posed for photos during the visit.

Joshua had already returned to training prior to this appearance, remaining active on social media throughout that period. He was also seen spending time with the families of Ayodele and Ghami following the accident. Joshua shared a post addressing their deaths, acknowledging their role in his life. He also emphasized a renewed focus on training his mental strength alongside physical preparation.

The British heavyweight’s mental health became publicly visible following a leaked phone call with former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. During the call, Joshua spoke about how the accident affected him and the difficulty of losing both of his close friends. The conversation revealed the personal toll the incident had taken. Usman later apologized for making the private, vulnerable exchange public.

The most recent development in the case confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was the 37-year-old heavyweight’s long-time driver. Kayode is now appearing in court on four charges, including dangerous driving causing death. The legalities are ongoing as authorities continue to examine the circumstances of the crash. The case remains closely linked to Anthony Joshua as investigations move forward.

Eddie Hearn provides an update on Anthony Joshua’s future

Anthony Joshua has been aligned with Matchroom Boxing since the very start of his professional career. Matchroom CEO Eddie Hearn has remained a constant supporter of his fellow British heavyweight throughout that journey. Hearn has overseen Joshua’s rise from prospect to global star under the Matchroom banner. He was also part of the team during both of Joshua’s championship wins.

Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn together
Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn (via Instagram)

Hearn has consistently praised Joshua’s abilities and played a major role in fully marketing him as a global boxing star. Following the fatal accident in Nigeria, Hearn was among the first to reach out to Joshua to convey his condolences. He remained in contact with Joshua during the aftermath of the incident. Those events led to Hearn’s recent public comments about Joshua’s current and future situation.

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 honour, but it’s not going to be easy.

Eddie Hearn via The Ariel Helwani Show

It remains uncertain whether Joshua will return to the squared circle, with members of his family reportedly discussing retirement following the incident. That perspective contrasts with Hearn’s stance, as he has said the decision to fight again rests entirely with Anthony Joshua. With Tyson Fury reversing his own retirement again, a long-discussed superfight between the two British natives could still materialize.

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