Excerpts from the interview we conducted with Anthony Joshua a few months ago show that he is a very philosophical newborn man who appreciates everything he has been gifted with in life.
Today’s tragic event, in which he lost two of his closest friends, will be a earnest challenge… pic.twitter.com/OcBiot5bCw
Reflecting on purpose, mortality and the pace of contemporary life, Joshua added:
“Believe it or not, I find all of these things very distracting. Because in the grand scheme of things, everything I’m chasing and everything I want to have to feel relevant on this earth isn’t as crucial because I can’t take it with me. Only death is certain. The only thing that will be crucial is to live the best we can. Isn’t it crazy how rapid life moves? We will be aged and one day all that matters is living the best we can.
He also spoke movingly about his grandfather’s aging and how it shaped his perspective on what was truly crucial:
“One day I went to see my grandfather, he is already very aged. I thought that the only thing that matters to him now is who will take care of him in his aged age, because he is no longer able to take care of himself. At one point in his life, work was the most crucial thing in his life. And now he’s a nobody in this case because he’s too aged.
Anthony Joshua remains in hospital
Joshua, who miraculously survived the crash, remains in hospital in Nigeria, with his family, including his uncle Adedamola, expressing shock and hope for his recovery.
AJ is responding to treatment. It’s a phrase the family keeps repeating. This is the safest way to say that someone is sticking with you, without pretending that everything is fine.
“I feel pain all over my body,” Joshua said after the accident.
This sentence says more than any medical update.
He remains under observation at Duchess International Hospital. His condition is described as stable, but stability at times like this only means that the damage has stopped spreading. This does not mean that the damage has disappeared.
His mother, Yeta Odusanyi, was allowed to stay at his bedside. Others don’t. This detail matters. Hospitals only restrict access when the situation is earnest. When rest and silence are part of the treatment.
“We weren’t allowed to see him,” said his uncle, David Joshua. “But from the information provided by the authorities, it appears that he is responding to treatment.”
That’s as much confidence as anyone has right now.
Joshua was in Nigeria less than six hours before the crash. He traveled with two men who were more than just part of his circle. Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele were constants. Familiar faces. People who made work easier and travel bearable.
They didn’t survive.
Another relative, Adedamola Joshua, spoke about the consequences of their loss.
“This event deeply shocked our family,” he said. “Although our son Anthony is alive, two of his friends who came to celebrate with us lost their lives.”
These words are massive because they are pure and unpolished.
He added: “This is a grave tragedy not only for our family but for Ogun State in Nigeria and the entire world.”
Peter Fury believes that Tyson Fury should face a significant test if he decides to fight one more time before his planned clash with Anthony Joshua.
Fury returned to the ring earlier this year after spending all of 2025 in retirement. He outpointed Arslanbek Makhmudov over 12 rounds in April, and a long-awaited clash with Joshua is expected later this year.
As some fans questioned whether Fury should fight another fight before facing Joshua, Peter Fury said there would be little value in a gentle touch.
“Well, definitely someone who is hard-wearing and can hit back, because a walk in the park won’t get you anywhere,” Peter Fury said in an interview with SPORT Boxing, discussing Tyson’s potential fleeting opponent.
“The only thing that’s going to come out of this is me walking around the ring and saying well, I’ve got to get in the ring again, that’s all.”
Peter didn’t mention any specific names, but he made it clear that he believes any opponent should be able to hold their own and force Fury to be on his guard for the fight with Joshua.
The former heavyweight champion is coming off a unanimous decision win over Makhmudov in his comeback fight and could return one more time before facing Joshua.
Joshua is also preparing to return to the ring. The two-time heavyweight champion is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on July 25 as he looks to build momentum towards a potential clash with Fury.
If Fury decides to fight early, Peter Fury’s view is elementary: there is no point in fighting an opponent who poses no challenge.
“A walk in the park gets you nowhere,” said Peter Fury. “Definitely someone who is hard-wearing and can hit back.”
Robert Segal is a boxing reporter at Boxing News 24 with over a decade of experience covering fight news, previews and analysis. Known for his first-hand reporting and in-ring perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, challengers and emerging talent from around the world.
Anthony Joshua will return to action next month as he looks to revive his highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury by knocking out Albania’s Kristian Prenga. If he is successful in both of these fights, Joshua has five opponents in mind for 2027.
Since his failed attempt to dethrone Daniel Dubois to become a three-time world heavyweight champion in September 2024, Joshua has only made one appearance; winning six rounds in a gimmick fight against YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul.
Now, “AJ” returns to the chase ranks and looks to remind fight fans of his pedigree and strength, starting with a July “tune-up” against Prengi, who is expected to pose a minor threat before his November showdown with “The Gypsy King.”
I’m talking to Ring MagazineJoshua mentioned the five “gigantic fights” he is looking forward to after his feud with Fury ends.
“For me and Fury, he can’t be the one [left]because I know if I stay here long enough there will be a rematch with [Daniel] Dubois, there is a potential Fabio [Wardley] to fight is Agit [Kabayel] to fight there as long as he becomes champion, I like how gigantic that would be.
“Exists [Moses] Itauma’s fight as he nears the rankings is still there [Deontay] Wilder fight there. There will be massive fights.
“Fury is just another number and what I’m trying to say is that I don’t put him on a pedestal, he’s not above anyone, everyone stands in my way, everyone is on the same level. I don’t put him above anyone.”
After months of delays, silence and changing plans, the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 fight finally has a date and place booked.
Manny Pacquiao Promotions has placed the Sept. 25 date and the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s official calendar for the proposed rematch, giving the long-talked-about event its most concrete development since Floyd Mayweather publicly stated the fight should be finalized within 48 hours.
Almost a month has passed since these comments and now fans can look forward to Friday night’s world-famous boxing event.
September 25
The stipulation represents another step forward in a fight that has spent most of 2026 waiting for what Pacquiao adviser Sean Gibbons previously described to WBN as “Floyd Time.”
Pacquiao’s team initially revealed plans for a Netflix-backed rematch before Mayweather finally confirmed the project while promoting his Mike Zambidis exhibition.
However, despite approving the concept, Mayweather has offered little publicly since then.
It’s worth noting that Mayweather’s promotions were not mentioned in the latest booking announcement.
T-Mobile Arena
The selection of T-Mobile Arena also marks a departure from the original 2015 competition, which was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
A quick check by World Boxing News of the T-Mobile Arena schedule currently shows no conflicting event scheduled for September 25.
That said, boxing fans have seen this story before.
While September 19 was previously linked to the rematch, the date was ultimately set by Hall of Fame rock band The Eagles.
I’m still waiting for Floyd
For now, the booking represents the clearest sign that Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 remains on track.
Pacquiao’s team has continued to publicly push for the event, while Mayweather has largely avoided talks since confirming Netflix’s course of action.
Time will tell if Floyd decides to give this fight the same public support he will give Pacquiao’s team.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.