Anthony Joshua pictured at a public event amid reports that the former heavyweight champion may retire from boxing after a fatal crash.

Anthony Joshua may retire from boxing after the fatal crash in Nigeria, according to a claim made by a close family member.

Fresh uncertainty has emerged over the future of Anthony Joshua after a member of his family claimed the former heavyweight champion is set to retire from professional boxing.

The claim was made by Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, amid growing concern following a recent fatal road crash in Nigeria involving the boxer.

Joshua was involved in a serious accident last Monday when his vehicle collided with a stationary truck along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun.

The 36-year-old boxer reportedly escaped with minor injuries. However, two members of his close circle — Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele — died at the scene.

Their funeral prayers were held at a mosque in London on Sunday, January 4, with Joshua in attendance to pay his last respects.

The development comes barely days after Joshua returned to the ring. He fought just 10 days before the crash, knocking out Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

Since the accident, Joshua has not publicly addressed his future in boxing. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, and Matchroom Boxing have also declined further comment beyond an initial statement released on the night of the incident.

Speaking to The Punch, Adedamola Joshua claimed the boxer has already decided to walk away from the sport.

“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting, we are always emotionally affected,” he said.

“Whenever he’s knocked down, it feels like our hearts are coming out of our chest. The trauma is too much. Now that he has said he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”

When asked if Joshua had directly communicated the decision to the family, his uncle replied in the affirmative.

Before the crash, there were widespread rumours of a major all-British showdown with Tyson Fury, potentially pencilled for 2026.

Over his career, Anthony Joshua has recorded 28 wins from 33 fights, with four defeats, establishing himself as one of the most successful British boxers of his generation.

For now, however, questions remain as fans await official confirmation from Joshua himself on whether his time in the ring has truly come to an end.