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Eddie Hearn provides an update on Anthony Joshua

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Anthony Joshua has spoken out for the first time since the fatal car crash that killed two of his close friends. Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images for Netflix

Eddie Hearn has provided an update on Anthony Joshua.

Following the tragic events that took place in Nigeria, Hearn revealed his conversation with Joshua.

On December 29, reports came from Nigeria about a car accident that occurred around 12:00 local time.

“AJ” had not played in Nigeria for some time after his last win over Jake Paul just 10 days earlier.

Two of Joshua’s close friends and teammates, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, tragically lost their lives in the accident.

Their funerals were held on January 4, with friends and family coming to pay their respects.

He spoke to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn Sky Sports Boxing about a tragic event.

“It was a terrible and terrifying incident.

“Two people who were incredibly close to him and two guys full of energy and passion.

Anthony Joshua has spoken out for the first time since the fatal car crash that killed two of his close friends. Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images for Netflix

“They were very committed to AJ and his team.

“They were teammates, but they were also some of his best friends.”

Hearn continued to discuss time Joshua will need the privacy he needs at a time like this.

“I know he is in no rush and will need him physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

“Before he makes a decision about his future.”

Hearn believes Joshua will box again one day, but explained that is irrelevant during the hard period of mourning.

“I think he will come back to boxing, but it will be his decision when the time is right.

Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami. Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images for Netflix
Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami. Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images for Netflix

“It’s certainly not a conversation I’ll be having with him in the near future.

“The only conversation is, ‘Are you OK?’

“Sometimes you find that people pretend everything is fine, but obviously what happened to him is not normal and is heartbreaking for everyone involved.

Tributes are pouring in for friends Anthony Joshua, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami who tragically died in a car crash in Nigeria
Tributes are pouring in for friends Anthony Joshua, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami who tragically died in a car crash in Nigeria

“I do [expect Anthony Joshua to have an extended spell out of the sport] and I don’t think that’s a conversation that anyone would be comfortable having that involves asking what might be next or what they’re thinking about.

I believe he will make a decision when the time is right, and you will hear it from him.

“Anthony Joshua’s future will be told by Anthony Joshua and that’s the only voice you should listen to.”

Joshua was expected to return to the ring in February before facing long-time rival Tyson Fury at some point in the year.

Fury and “AJ” have been on a collision course to fight each other for over a decade now, but plans for that fight have understandably been put on hold for now.

The post Eddie Hearn Provides Update on Anthony Joshua appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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UK Boxing

“I’m not interested in belts” – Ryan Rozicki talks about changing Zuffa Boxing

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Masternak retired in his corner after appearing to sustain a rib injury.Credit: Richard Crease

Ryan Rozicki is set to return to the ring tomorrow when he faces Chris Billam-Smith live from Bournemouth.

The Billam-Smith vs Rozicki fight will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Many people know “CBS” as he plans a successful homecoming run, headlining in Bournemouth for the first time since 2023.

He fights out of the Bournemouth International Center once again forced Mateusz Masternak to retire on the stool in the eighth round due to a rib injury.

Chris Billam-Smith was forced to kick demanding against Mateusz Masternak in Bournemouth.
Source: Boxxer

The Briton’s opponent before entering the competition remains relatively unknown, but his achievements tell the story of danger and a man who decided to tear up the script.

Rozicki boxes from Nova Scotia, Canada, and continues to train in his hometown. He spoke to professional boxing fans and revealed the biggest challenge his location poses to his boxing career.

Chris Billam-Smith will face Ryan Rozicki in Bournemouth on Saturday. Photo: Zuffa Boxing
Chris Billam-Smith will face Ryan Rozicki in Bournemouth on Saturday. Photo: Zuffa Boxing

He recently posted a video on social media highlighting one of the more unusual training methods he uses while camping in such a remote location.

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“There are no sparring partners there, no. If I want to spar, I have to travel.”

The Canadian has a devastating knockout rate of over 95%, which he added in his last outing less than three months ago.

The bookmakers' favorite is Chris Billam-Smith, who will beat Ryan Rozicki on Saturday. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Andre Kuthy
The bookmakers’ favorite is Chris Billam-Smith, who will beat Ryan Rozicki on Saturday. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Andre Kuthy

He stopped Gerardo Mellado in the second round after dropping him twice earlier.

The 31-year-old is currently ranked number one in the WBC cruiserweight rankings.

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‘The Bruiser’ revealed his biggest inspiration growing up and how he emulates Jack Dempsey’s brutal and relentless style.

“Jack Dempsey. Brutal. Constant pressure. Damage.

“I have no interest in participating in a boxing match. I want to hurt my opponent.”

Despite such a high position in the WBC rankings, he surprisingly presented his goals for tomorrow night and the rest of his career.

Give me fights, give me large fights, pay me the most money and I will be there.

“I don’t focus on numbers, rankings, belts, anything.”

Rozicki had already tried to secure a fight with Billam-Smith.

The Canadian was ringside for his 2024 rematch victory over Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park and revealed what Ben Shalom told him about the pair’s fight two years ago.

Riakporhe had no answer for Billam-Smith (Photo: Lawrence Lustig, Boxxer)
Riakporhe had no answer for Billam-Smith (Photo: Lawrence Lustig, Boxxer)

“Ben said no one knows who you are and that you hit too demanding.”

While preparing to appear at Dana White’s first ever boxing gala in the UK, Rozicki also shared exactly how he sees the fight ending.

“One of my shots, from any angle, from any hand… he’ll go to sleep.”

The post “I’m not interested in belts” – Ryan Rozicki talks about the Zuffa Boxing switch appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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UK Boxing

Josh Padley vs. Aqib Fiaz – Gigantic Fight Preview and Predictions

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Padley defends his European super featherweight title. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

On Saturday in Sheffield, Josh Padley will defend his European super featherweight title against Aqib Fiaz for the first time.

Eddie HearnMatchroom is promoting the Padley vs Fiaz fight from Utilita Arena live on DAZN worldwide.

The pair were scheduled to fight on the undercard, but were later advanced to the main event Dalton Smith’s WBC super lightweight title defense against Albert Puello and then Galal Yafai’s clash with unified flyweight world champion Ricardo Sandoval was shelved due to injury.

Padley (18-1, 6 KO) won the vacant belt after a second-round stoppage of Jaouad Belmehdi in Newcastle in January.

The 30-year-old has won three times since a ninth-round defeat to Shakur Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title on four days’ notice.

Padley defends his European super featherweight title. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Fiaz (14-1, 2 KO) is looking to break the script here and has won two in a row since an eight-round retirement loss to mutual opponent Reece Bellotti in 2023, whom Padley defeated by unanimous decision in October.

The 26-year-old last didn’t play 11 months ago, securing a unanimous decision victory over Alex Murphy.

Padley and Fiaz face to face at Thursday's final press conference. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Padley and Fiaz face to face at Thursday’s final press conference. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Nadim-Sulaimaan will fight for the title of English champion

Ibrahim Nadim defends his English super featherweight crown for the first time against Ibraheem Sulaimaan.

Nadim (16-1, 2 KO) secured the vacant belt with a unanimous decision victory over Numan Hussain in November, and Sulaimaan (10-0, 5 KO) became the Midlands Area champion with a sixth-round victory over Nico Ogbeide also in November.

Nadim defends his English super featherweight title against Sulaimaan. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Nadim defends his English super featherweight title against Sulaimaan. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Undercard remaining

Middleweight Aaron Bowen (7-1, 5 KO) suffered his first professional loss to Tom Cowling in November, but can get back to winning ways with a stoppage victory over Troy Coleman (15-4-1, 7 KO).

Heavyweight prospect Leo Atang (6-0, 5 KO) can remain excellent by defeating Frenchman Fouad Shaili (5-4-2, 3 KO).

Connor Mitchell (2-0, 1 KO) can improve his undefeated record by scoring points over Jesus Carrasco (2-4-2) at featherweight, while Chris Mulanda (2-0) can do the same against Connor Goulding (6-12) in their middleweight bout.

Adam Maca (5-0, 5 KO) and Edward Hardy (6-0, 2 KO) will return to the pitch against an as yet unspecified opponent.

The post Josh Padley vs Aqib Fiaz – Gigantic Fight Preview and Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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UK Boxing

Anthony Joshua REVEALS when he will retire from boxing

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Joshua and Prenga face-to-face ahead of July clash Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Anthony Joshua won’t be leaving boxing any time soon.

Joshua returns to the ring on July 25 in Saudi Arabia against Kristian Prengi, ahead of a thrilling clash with long-time rival Tyson Fury in November.

The two-time world heavyweight champion was expected to potentially end his career after his long-awaited clash with Fury, but the 36-year-old insists he can continue for another four years, even opening the door to a potential clash with the rising 21-year-old heavyweight champion, Moses This is going to hurt.

“For me, maybe until I’m 40,” Joshua told reporters.

“It’s only been about three or four years.

Joshua and Prenga face-to-face ahead of July clash Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

“I’ll be 37 in October, so it’s only three years, it’ll go by quickly.

“Of course it will be challenging, but I definitely think I’m tough enough to do it.

“Why not, why not? I’m definitely more mature.”

Joshua and Fury have signed a contract to fight. Photo: Mark Robinson
Joshua and Fury have signed a contract to fight. Photo: Mark Robinson

“AJ” will fight for the first time since the sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul in Miami in December.

The Watford player took a break from the sport after he was involved in a devastating road accident in Nigeria 10 days later that killed two of his close friends, Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Joshua, who met Prenga face-to-face earlier this week, said he strongly supports parents Ayodele and Ghami.

Anthony Joshua's close friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami died in a car crash in Nigeria
Anthony Joshua’s close friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami died in a car crash in Nigeria

“You’ll never get over it, but you’ll gain perspective in life,” he said BBC Sport.

“Life sometimes teaches you humility. You never know your fate.

“As a soldier, I stand powerful in defense of their parents.

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“First of all, it’s not about me.

“I think it’s crucial to put parents first at this time.

“I will have time to grieve, but I know that right now my heart and mind say that their parents are my main priority.”

Joshua’s fight against Prenga will take place at the Jeddah Superdome.

Fury, who retired in April to defeat Arslanbek Makhmudov, is scheduled to have another warm-up fight on August 1.

The post Anthony Joshua REVEALS when he will retire from boxing appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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