Anthony Joshua returns to gym for ‘Mental Strength Therapy’ after fatal crash

Anthony Joshua returns to gym for ‘Mental Strength Therapy’ after fatal crash

Anthony Joshua has shared signs of a tentative return to the gym, revealing he has resumed light training as part of what he called “mental strength therapy” following a fatal car crash in Nigeria.

The former world heavyweight champion survived the accident on December 29 while travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway.

The vehicle collided with a stationary truck, killing two of Joshua’s close associates and members of his backroom team, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Joshua suffered only minor injuries.

In the days after the crash, uncertainty surrounded the 36-year-old’s future in boxing, with suggestions that the emotional impact could keep him out of the ring for a prolonged period.

That uncertainty eased slightly on Thursday when Joshua posted footage on Instagram showing himself hitting pads with a trainer inside a gym.

The short clip, captioned “Mental Strength Therapy”, indicated the session was focused on recovery and wellbeing rather than a full return to competition.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has since urged patience, insisting there is no rush for Joshua to make decisions about his career.

Speaking earlier this week, Hearn said the boxer would be given all the time he needs to process the loss of Ayodele and Ghami, as speculation continues over whether and when he will fight again.

“I think AJ, as we have seen in the past on boxing-related stuff, is always a brave-face guy, a very positive guy,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“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.”
The accident occurred while the boxer was on holiday in Nigeria following his win against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, the United States, on December 19.