Anthony Joshua Finds Refuge In Boxing Following Deaths Of Two Close Friends
By Abdulbaqi Jibreel Ajao
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that boxing has become a refuge for Anthony Joshua as the heavyweight champion continues to grieve the loss of two close friends who died in a car crash in Nigeria last December.
Hearn explained that Joshua was in Nigeria, the parents hometown, where the tragic accident occurred. While Joshua survived with injuries, his childhood friend Latif Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami were killed in the crash.
The promoter said the tragedy still has a profound impact on Joshua and has cast serious doubt over his future in boxing, noting that the incident has kept Joshua away from training for some time.
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Joshua has since returned to camp, and Hearn told SunSport in Egypt that being in the gym has become the most important part of the boxer’s recovery process.
Speaking about Joshua’s state of mind, Hearn opined that, “This is his kind of safe place, This is his place where he can concentrate his mind,” adding that the period has been difficult for Joshua, while also describing him as a very determined individual.
Speaking further, he emphasized that the heavyweight boxer is channeling much of the grief and pain he carries into his training, while suggesting that the focus and discipline of the gym is helping him to cope with his loss.
The promoter also said that a lot of what Joshua does now is dedicated to his friends and “brothers” Sina and Latz, explaining that Joshua remains focused on what he loves and on the routines he once shared with them.
Hearn therefore added that, Joshua would still feel pain in his mind and heart, he remained focused on what he loved and on the routine he and his friends have always shared which is training hard in camp.
“Of course, there’ll be pain in his mind and his heart, but he’s focused on what he loves, and he’s focused on what they all used to do together, which was being in training camp and working hard.”
