UK Boxing

Anthony Joshua releases a heartbreaking statement for friends who died in a tragic car crash

Published

8 months ago

January 8, 2026

Anthony Joshua has paid tribute in a heartbreaking statement to the two close friends he lost in the tragic car crash that rocked the boxing world.

Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami died in a collision in Nigeria, and Joshua was hospitalized for his injuries. The boxer was holidaying in his parents’ birthplace after his triumph over Jake Paul when his vehicle collided with a stopped truck on one of the country’s most unsafe thoroughfares.

Last week, Joshua’s driver was charged with causing death by unsafe driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention and driving without a valid driving licence. The former heavyweight champion returned to the UK and attended the funeral of his friends in London at the weekend.

“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realize how special they are. I will just walk with them and tell them jokes without even knowing that God kept me in the presence of wonderful people,” Joshua wrote on Instagram.

“It’s 100% strenuous for me, but I know it’s even harder for their parents. I have a robust mind and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”

Following the incident, it was suggested that Joshua might hang up his gloves. It is understood the 36-year-old has no such intentions yet, but Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, when asked for an update, told talkSPORT it was too early to talk about his star’s career.

Hearn said: “I think at this stage to be straightforward, it’s definitely not a comment from us. “Just out of respect for Anthony.

“Of course, after everything he’s been through, the tragic loss of Sina and Latz. Right now, Anthony needs time. Time and privacy. There will be no career discussions with us, no moves as to what’s next.

“This is a terrible tragedy and Anthony will need time, physically and emotionally.

“There is nothing to talk or talk about at this time. Let’s give him time and pray for him and of course for all the families involved in this terrible incident.”

Joshua was expected to return to the ring on Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia. The former Olympian is also reportedly scheduled to face long-time rival Tyson Fury in September, after Fury announced the end of his year-long break from the sport.

Speaking after his victory over Paul, Joshua called out the Gypsy king.

“If Tyson Fury is as solemn as he thinks he is and is willing to put his fingers down on Twitter, put on the gloves and come and fight one of the truest fighters who will take on any challenge, step into the ring next if you are a real bad boy,” Joshua said. “Don’t do it by saying, ‘AJ this, AJ that.’ I’ll see you in the ring and we’ll talk with our fists.”

Following the devastating crash, Joshua’s uncle claimed that the player had informed his family that he intended to retire.

Adedamola Joshua told The Punch in Nigeria: “The most significant thing is that he has retired from boxing. That’s one thing that makes us ecstatic because every time he fights in the ring, we are always moved with emotion.” However, this has not been confirmed and AJ has not yet made a decision on his future.

UK Boxing

Re: Official Negotiating Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship – DevinHaney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (#1 challenger)

Published

2 months ago

July 2, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Re: Official Negotiating Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship – DevinHaney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (fighter #1) – WBO

June 30, 2026

Re: Official Negotiation Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship Contest – Devin
Haney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (#1 challenger)

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UPCOMING FIGHTS

JR. WEIGHT Championship

Bermudas
VS
Osorio

Osorio Won R

JR. AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship

Zayas
VS
Ennis

Ennis won R7

WEIGHT Championship

with Olascua
VS
Dominguez

R won

JR. BANTAM WEIGHT Championship

BANTAM WEIGHT Championship

Johnson
VS
Thorslund

R won

JR. INTERMEDIATE WEIGHT Championship

AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship

Robinson
VS
Thibeault

R won

JR. AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship

The official record holder

UK Boxing

Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide

Published

2 months ago

June 23, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing

Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.

Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.

The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.

“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.

The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.

Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing

Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.

Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.

Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing

Full Bet365 odds

The result of the fight

Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1

Round bets

Xander Zayas

Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1

Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position

Jaron Ennis

To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4

The post Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

UK Boxing

Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – large fight preview and predictions

Published

2 months ago

June 23, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.

Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.

Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.

Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.

Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.

In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.

The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.

Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom

McKean meets Taliva

Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.

McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.

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Post shared by Demsey McKean (@demsey.mckean)

The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.

Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.

Undercard remaining

At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.

Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.

Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.

Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).

The post Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – Gigantic Fight Preview and Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.