Anthony Joshua has not confirmed any plans to retire from boxing following last week’s tragedy, despite unverified claims circulating that the former heavyweight champion is stepping away from the sport.
As of now, Joshua has chosen not to address his boxing future at all, remaining publicly silent as he grieves the loss of two close friends and long-time team members, Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami, who were killed in a fatal car crash in Nigeria on December 29.
Confusion has been amplified by a doctored AI video circulating online that falsely suggests Joshua has retired, highlighting the growing challenge of distinguishing fact from manipulated content in 2026 media coverage.
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Silence as a conscious decision
Joshua’s lack of public comment has not been accidental. Since the incident, the 36-year-old has avoided interviews, statements, or indirect messaging related to boxing, retirement, or his career trajectory.
On Sunday, he attended the funerals of Ayodele and Ghami in London, paying his respects privately alongside their families. The appearance marked his first public sighting since being released from hospital several days earlier after sustaining minor injuries in the crash.
Joshua spent time with both families before the funeral and deliberately posted on his socials, consciously giving the media something without revealing the extent of his mindset. His focus is now entirely on those affected and on processing what he witnessed that terrible day.
The fake AI video and unverified family comments have added to public confusion, highlighting the challenges athletes face controlling their narrative in today’s instant digital media.
AJ later shared a single social media post showing him with grieving relatives, accompanied by the caption “My Brothers’ Keeper.” The message contained no reference to boxing or future plans.
No confirmation from Joshua or his team
Neither Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, nor Matchroom Boxing has issued further comment beyond an initial acknowledgment of the accident. There has been no official communication from Joshua’s management regarding retirement or next steps.
In recent days, comments attributed to a family member have circulated online suggesting Joshua had informed relatives of an intention to retire. Those remarks remain unverified and have not been supported by any on-the-record confirmation.
At this stage, no decision has been announced, finalized, or communicated publicly. It’s too early to tell what lies ahead for Joshua in boxing.
Too Early to Predict
Joshua fought just ten days before the tragedy, scoring a knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. The sudden loss of two trusted members of his inner circle represents a significant emotional shock.
Historically, Joshua has stepped away from public discussion after significant personal or professional moments, choosing reflection over immediacy. Decisions about his career have only been shared once he was ready to speak directly.
Actions since the tragedy emphasized that his priority remains supporting the families affected and allowing space for mourning, rather than responding to external speculation.
No retirement announcement
As of now, Anthony Joshua has not announced his retirement from boxing.
World Boxing News understands that any statement regarding his future will come from Joshua himself, on his own terms, and not through interpretation during a period of grief.
Until then, reports suggesting his career is settled remain speculative.
For the moment, Joshua has chosen silence — not as an answer, but as a boundary.
