Anthony Joshua Prepares for Fight After Friends' Deaths

Anthony Joshua is set to return to the boxing ring against Kristian Prenga on Saturday, marking his first fight since the tragic deaths of two close friends and members of his backroom team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, in a car accident on December 29, 2025, near Lagos, Nigeria. Joshua, who sustained minor injuries in the crash, expressed that he is not yet ready to fully process the loss, stating, “It is tough, every time I think about it, it hurts.” Ghami had been Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for over ten years, while Ayodele was a long-time friend and personal trainer.

Joshua's last fight was a knockout victory over Jake Paul ten days before the accident. He acknowledged feeling nervous ahead of the bout, emphasizing the importance of performing well for his team.

Additionally, a highly anticipated fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury is planned for later this year, contingent on both fighters winning their respective matches this weekend.