Anthony Joshua's future is uncertain after a fatal car crash; he’s begun light training but promoter Eddie Hearn warns a ring return isn’t guaranteed. Betting impact: bookmakers may lengthen Joshua’s comeback odds or suspend markets, prompting punters to back other heavyweights until a clear recovery timeline emerges.
Anthony Joshua's Return in Doubt After Fatal Crash
Anthony Joshua, 36, faces an uncertain return to boxing after a car crash in Nigeria last month that killed two close friends, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele. Joshua walked away from the wreckage, attended their London funeral and has since relocated to Dubai for light training and recovery.
Promoter: No Firm Timeline for Comeback
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who did a gym session with Joshua last week, said he has not seen him since the crash and stressed that a return to the ring “is not easy.”
Hearn warned that while Joshua’s injuries should not cause long-term damage, they require time to heal and “you can’t just go back in camp with injuries like that.” At present, there is no discussion about a comeback date.
Physical Recovery and Training Approach
Despite rib injuries, Joshua has been doing controlled work — shadowboxing and light pad work alongside MMA fighters — as part of a gradual recovery plan. Sources describe the sessions as mental and physical rehabilitation rather than full fight preparation, with medical teams prioritising a cautious timeline to avoid setbacks.
Mental Toll and Team Support
Those close to Joshua have praised his resilience but acknowledge the emotional impact of losing two friends. He is training “for his own mind” as much as his body, leaning on his support network while processing the personal tragedy.
Betting Outlook: What Punters Should Expect
Uncertainty over Joshua’s fitness and timetable is likely to influence betting markets.
Bookmakers may lengthen his odds for imminent heavyweight title shots, limit markets involving him, or suspend markets until clear medical updates emerge.
Punters looking for short-term value will likely shift focus to active contenders; value on Joshua may only return once a confirmed return-to-camp date or medical clearance is announced.
ANTHONY JOSHUA might not return to boxing, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. The Brit, 36, was in a car crash that claimed the lives of close pals Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele in Nigeria last month.
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AJ incredibly walked away from the wreckage, attended his friends’ London funeral and is starting light training in Dubai. However, the two-time...
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