Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua Training for Mind and Body, Not Boxing Return

Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has revealed that the former heavyweight champion is still recovering from injuries sustained in a tragic car crash in December 2025.

The accident, which occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, claimed the lives of Joshua’s close friends and associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Although Joshua escaped with minor injuries after reportedly swapping seats before the journey, Hearn insists that his recovery will take time.

Joshua, 36, was seen back in the gym in Dubai, but Hearn clarified that his training is not geared toward a boxing comeback. Instead, Joshua is working out to aid his physical recovery and maintain his mental strength.

‘He is training for his own mind,’ Hearn explained, adding that while the injuries are not career-threatening, they require patience before any return to full training camp.

The crash came just days after Joshua’s knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami, a high point quickly overshadowed by personal tragedy.

Hearn, who recently visited Joshua in Dubai, described the meeting as emotional, noting that the boxer is still mourning the loss of his friends.

‘It was really good to see him as a friend. Nothing will fill the void of losing those two in his life,’ Hearn said.

He emphasized Joshua’s resilience, highlighting how boxing remains a constant in his life even during difficult times.

‘AJ will always train. Boxing changed his life forever, and he will never leave the gym,’ Hearn remarked. For now, Joshua’s focus is on healing and finding strength in routine, with no immediate plans for a return to competitive boxing.