British boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said the decision on when Anthony Joshua returns to the ring rests solely with the former heavyweight champion.
Joshua has been away from the sport following a tragic car accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on December 29, which claimed the lives of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
The crash also left the British-Nigerian boxer injured.
The Watford-born fighter, who is of Nigerian descent, had been spending time in Nigeria after recording a sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
Speaking to BBC Sport on Friday, Hearn stressed that Joshua’s recovery must go beyond physical healing, insisting the boxer needs time to fully process the traumatic experience before making any career decisions.
“He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually before he decides on his future. I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right.
“The only conversation is ‘are you OK?’… what happened to him is not normal and heartbreaking for all involved. When the time is right, I believe he will make his decision, and you will hear it from him. That is the only voice you should listen to in that respect,” Hearn said.
Hearn added that while he expects Joshua to fight again, there will be no pressure on the former world champion to rush back into the sport, as his well-being remains the priority.
