Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has resumed full-scale training as he prepares for a highly anticipated return to the ring this summer, months after surviving a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close associates.
TRUETELLS Nigeria reports that the 34-year-old boxer has not fought since his sixth-round stoppage of Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, 2025. Shortly after, his career was thrown into uncertainty following a devastating crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which killed his personal trainer, Kevin Ayodele, and his recovery therapist, Sina Ghami.
Joshua escaped the accident physically unscathed but spent the subsequent months recovering and coping with the emotional toll of losing two close friends. He initially returned to light training at Finchley Amateur Boxing Club—the site of his early boxing journey—before reuniting with coach Iegor Golub, who previously cornered Joshua in his win over Paul. Golub rejoined after Joshua parted ways with Ben Davison following his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has described Joshua’s progress as “encouraging,” highlighting his readiness to re-enter full training.
“We are very close to returning to training camp, and I feel like AJ is physically and perhaps mentally ready to throw himself back into that environment,” Hearn said.
“It is exciting. For everything that he has been through and all the pain, I do not think that will leave. But he has a career and a job to do, which he wants to continue doing. And I am excited to see him back.”
Joshua’s comeback fight is being planned for July after an initial March bout in Saudi Arabia was postponed due to the crash. Speculation is already mounting over a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury later this year, with reports suggesting preliminary agreements are in place. Fury is expected back in the ring on April 11 against Arslanbek Makhmudov, setting the stage for a pivotal second half in the heavyweight division.
