Anthony Joshua Will Need Time to Come to Terms Before Making Decision on Boxing Future, Says Eddie Hearn
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua will require time to process his emotions before making a decision about his future in the ring. The former heavyweight champion's close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele died in a tragic car accident near Lagos, Nigeria on December 29.
Hearn told Sportsman Boxing: "I've had a few conversations with him." It's only now we've been talking more because it's going to take you time to get over something like that. I think all you can do in this situation is let people have their time."
Joshua was also travelling in the vehicle at the time of the accident and suffered minor injuries.
When asked about Joshua's plans for his future, Hearn said: "It baffles me that people are on me asking what's next and if I have spoken to him about his career. No, those conversations are a long way away."
Hearn believes that Joshua will eventually want to get back to boxing after he has grieved, but acknowledges that the time needed for this will be different for everyone.
The promoter added: "If he never fought again, you could never ever blame him." Hearn's heart breaks for Joshua after the passing of his two close friends who were instrumental in his success.
He stated that Sina and Latz were incredibly loyal and passionate members of Joshua's team. Their deaths have clearly had a profound impact on Joshua, as he was close to them.
Hearn concluded: "That's why we've got to be there for him. We've got to give him all the support he needs and the time that he needs to make a decision on what he'll do."
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua will require time to process his emotions before making a decision about his future in the ring. The former heavyweight champion's close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele died in a tragic car accident near Lagos, Nigeria on December 29.
Hearn told Sportsman Boxing: "I've had a few conversations with him." It's only now we've been talking more because it's going to take you time to get over something like that. I think all you can do in this situation is let people have their time."
Joshua was also travelling in the vehicle at the time of the accident and suffered minor injuries.
When asked about Joshua's plans for his future, Hearn said: "It baffles me that people are on me asking what's next and if I have spoken to him about his career. No, those conversations are a long way away."
Hearn believes that Joshua will eventually want to get back to boxing after he has grieved, but acknowledges that the time needed for this will be different for everyone.
The promoter added: "If he never fought again, you could never ever blame him." Hearn's heart breaks for Joshua after the passing of his two close friends who were instrumental in his success.
He stated that Sina and Latz were incredibly loyal and passionate members of Joshua's team. Their deaths have clearly had a profound impact on Joshua, as he was close to them.
Hearn concluded: "That's why we've got to be there for him. We've got to give him all the support he needs and the time that he needs to make a decision on what he'll do."
his career is def puttin 2 hold 4 now, but we gotta respect his space n let him grieve 1st... he'll prob take time 2 process everything n figure out wut he wants 2 do next 
this is so sad 
his friends were like family to him 
and now they're gone 
it's not just about the boxing, it's about the grief & the emotions he needs time to process 
I feel bad for Eddie Hearn too, he's gotta be there for AJ & give him space #RIPSinaLatz #AnthonyJoshua #BoxingLife #BeThereForAJ
i'm dyin over anthony joshua right now... his friends sina & latz were literally everything to him, and their passing is just heartbreaking 
we just gotta wait it out & let anthony know that his friends will always be with him in spirit 
. Sometimes, taking time for yourself is the best decision you can make, even if it means putting your plans on hold 
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. As a friend and promoter, it's his job to be there for Anthony, and I appreciate how open and honest he's being about their situation 
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. Eddie Hearn is right, he needs time to process his emotions and come to terms with what's happened