Joshua Returns To Training

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jan 16, 2026 3:27 AM ET

Anthony Joshua has taken his first steps back into boxing training following the car accident in Nigeria that killed two of his team members.

Joshua was a passenger in an SUV on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway when the vehicle collided with a parked truck during an attempt to overtake. The crash claimed the lives of his trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, and his strength coach, Sina Ghami. Joshua emerged with only minor physical injuries, but had to endure the psychological impact of losing his close friends.

New footage surfaced on social media showing the former two-time champion engaging in light workouts, including pad work. This return to activity comes just weeks after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in a December 19, 2025, bout in Miami, an event where he broke Paul’s jaw in two places.

Joshua’s Return

Anthony Joshua shared some training footage on Snapchat today

“Mental strength therapy”

(via @anthonyjoshua) pic.twitter.com/4hTOCBPfpV
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) January 16, 2026

Before the tragedy, Joshua’s 2026 schedule was shaping up. Plans included a potential “tune-up” against a top-ranked contender, followed by a potential bout against Tyson Fury. Eddie Hearn has continued to advocate for Joshua’s privacy, insisting that the fighter will be given as much time as necessary to heal.

“I think AJ, as we have seen in the past on boxing-related stuff, is always a brave-face guy, a very positive guy. This is very different to that and I know he will take his time. “He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually before he makes a decision on his future. I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right.

“It is certainly not a conversation I’ll be having with him any time soon. The only conversation is ‘are you OK?’ and sometimes we find people will give that facade of being OK, but what happened to him is not normal and heartbreaking for all involved,” Hearn said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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