Mmaduabuchi OkoyeConfusion grows as Joshua’s team remains silent on Uncle’s retirement claim
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The management team for Anthony Joshua has maintained a strict silence following claims by his uncle that the boxer has retired. Adedamola Joshua told reporters on January 7, 2026, that the former champion decided to quit after a fatal car crash in Nigeria on December 29, 2025. Promoter Eddie Hearn has yet to address the statement.
Image Credit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing (or Getty Images)Uncertainty surrounds the future of Anthony Joshua this morning as his official representatives refuse to address bombshell retirement claims made by his family.
The boxing world remains in the dark more than 24 hours after the fighter’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, declared that the 36-year-old has fought his last bout.
Speculation reached a fever pitch after Adedamola told The Punch on Wednesday that the family is “glad” the former champion has chosen to walk away.
Matchroom Boxing and promoter Eddie Hearn have notably stayed quiet since the interview surfaced, offering no confirmation or denial of the uncle’s account.
This silence stands in stark contrast to the chaotic events of last week, where reports emerged that Anthony Joshua swapped seats moments before fatal crash occurred on the highway.
Family Expresses Deep Relief
Adedamola insists the decision is final and was communicated directly to the family in Sagamu.
”The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” the uncle stated firmly during the interview.
He explained that the family suffers immense emotional trauma every time Joshua steps into the ring and that they are “happy” he is leaving while his ovation is loud.
Fans and pundits are now left waiting to see if the official camp will validate these personal family sentiments.
The British-Nigerian boxer has not spoken publicly since the tragic accident on December 29, 2025, which claimed the lives of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Investigations into the collision continue, and authorities recently confirmed that Anthony Joshua’s driver freed from hospital as police weigh reckless driving charges this week.
Management Maintains Strict Silence
Observers note that the lack of a denial from Hearn’s team suggests serious conversations are likely happening behind closed doors.
Joshua fought just days before the tragedy, securing a knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, 2025.
For now, the sporting community must wait to see if that victory in America was truly his final curtain call.
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