British heavyweight Anthony Joshua will make his return to the ring on July 25, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, following a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of two close friends. The 36-year-old fighter, who spoke at a media event in London on Monday, May 31, 2026, confirmed he is prioritizing supporting the grieving parents of his teammates as he prepares to face Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga. The crash occurred in Nigeria in December 2025 and resulted in the deaths of Joshua’s strength coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele.
The tragedy unfolded when the Jeep Joshua was traveling in collided with a stationary truck. While the boxer suffered minor injuries and was discharged from a hospital in Nigeria on December 31, Ghami and Ayodele did not survive. Promoter Eddie Hearn noted that six months have passed since the accident, describing the period as one of immense physical and emotional recovery for the former champion. Joshua now views his boxing career as a “purpose” to serve the families of those he lost.
The July “tune-up” bout is the first step in a busy 2026 schedule for the heavyweight. A deal has already been signed for a high-profile showdown against Tyson Fury, which is planned for October or November. While the Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua contracts are finalized, Joshua’s immediate focus remains on the emotional and physical demands of his upcoming fight in Jeddah.
Anthony Joshua finds purpose in supporting grieving families
Addressing the media in London, Anthony Joshua explained that he is suppressing his personal grief to act as a “good soldier” for his deceased friends’ parents. He emphasized that his primary motivation for returning to the ring is to provide for the mothers and fathers of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. “I have to put my emotions to the side because I focus on the parents,” Joshua said, adding that his own emotional processing would come at a later stage.
The 36-year-old believes the sport offers a therapeutic structure during this difficult transition. He described boxing as a way to maintain focus and drive while honoring the memory of his supporters. Eddie Hearn suggested that this tragedy has made Joshua “more dangerous than he’s been before,” citing a new driving force fueled by the wish of his late friends to see him succeed at the highest level.
Technical growth through training with Oleksandr Usyk
Joshua’s preparation has included an unconventional partnership with the man who twice defeated him, Oleksandr Usyk. The two have been training together in Valencia, Spain. Joshua credited the world heavyweight champion with teaching him technical improvements and the “power of prayer.” This collaboration has helped instill a renewed self-belief as Joshua targets becoming an undisputed champion, a goal Usyk reportedly encouraged him to pursue during their sessions.
This period of intense training follows a difficult professional stretch, as Joshua’s last fight of consequence ended in a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. While fans await big domestic clashes, similar to how contract disputes have stalled previous negotiations, the current focus is on Joshua’s mental and physical readiness for the Albanian challenge in Saudi Arabia.
The road to the Tyson Fury showdown
Kristian Prenga has publicly acknowledged the tragedy, suggesting that the mental scars from the accident might affect Joshua’s performance in the ring. However, Joshua is using the July 25 date as a springboard toward his ultimate goal. The signed deal for the Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua fight later this year remains the most significant event on the boxing calendar, worth millions to both camps.
For Joshua, the tactical shift and emotional compartmentalization are essential for this comeback. He expressed that Usyk’s belief in his potential to unify the division was a turning point in his recovery. By dedicating his pursuit of a third world title to the families of his fallen friends, Joshua aims to turn a personal disaster into a legacy-defining return to the summit of the heavyweight division.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Anthony Joshua fighting next?
Anthony Joshua is scheduled to fight Kristian Prenga on July 25, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This bout serves as a tune-up before his planned major showdown later in the year.
Who died in the car accident involving Anthony Joshua?
The December 2025 accident in Nigeria claimed the lives of Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength coach, and Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer. Both were long-time members of his training camp.
Is the fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury officially signed?
Yes, a deal has been signed for Anthony Joshua to face Tyson Fury in October or November 2026. The bout is being described by promoters as a seismic showdown for the heavyweight division.
