Anthony Joshua has no plans to retire despite rogue statements from a man claiming to be his uncle in Nigeria, Daily Mail Sport understands.
The British boxer, 36, miraculously survived a huge car crash which killed two of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun last week.
It sparked theories that the two-time heavyweight champion may hang up his gloves and never fight again, amplified by claims made by Adedamola Joshua in Nigerian newspaper PUNCH.
‘The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,’ he said. ‘That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally.’
However, Daily Mail Sport understands that Adedamola does not speak for or represent Joshua and that he has no plans to retire. The boxer’s representatives offered no comment when contacted.
Joshua, who most recently beat YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul in December, had been expected to finally fight Tyson Fury this year in a long-awaited heavyweight bout between two of Britain’s best.
Anthony Joshua has no plans to retire despite suggestions, Daily Mail Sport understands
Joshua survived a huge car crash that killed two of his close friends in Nigeria last week
However, it remains to be seen when Joshua will be ready to get back in the ring following the physical and emotional impact from the crash.
The 36-year-old most recently attended the funerals of his friends. He also posted a photo on social media in remembrance of them.
In the Instagram post, Joshua can be seen sat with his mother and family, with one person clutching a framed photograph of Ghami. He captioned the post: ‘My Brothers Keeper’.
The well-known phrase is used when someone wants to show they will support and care for others, who they accept responsibility for.
Joshua arrived at London Stansted Airport last Friday and has been recuperating at his mansion.
Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed previously how Joshua had cheated death after swapping seats from the front to the back of his SUV ahead of the crash which occurred just hours after they arrived in Nigeria.
Adeniyi Kayode, 47, was driving the black Lexus SUV when it ploughed into the back of a stationary truck carrying soya beans as he drove Joshua and his friends.
The boxer and Kayode himself escaped without incurring serious injuries.
Kayode appeared before a magistrate in Sagamu on Friday charged with dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, having no licence and driving without due care and attention causing bodily harm to damage and property.
If convicted he could face life in prison.
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Anthony Joshua ‘will retire from boxing’, his ‘uncle’ claims, after car crash that killed his two best friends in Nigeria