Anthony Joshua talks about the pain of losing friends before his comeback fight

British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has opened up about the painful loss of two close friends and trusted team members. He admitted he is still trying to cope with the tragedy as he gets ready to return to the ring.

Joshua will fight on Saturday against Kristian Prenga from Albania. This will be his first fight since a tragic road accident in Nigeria that took the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

The accident happened on 29 December 2025. The vehicle carrying Joshua, Ghami, Ayodele, and a driver crashed into a stationary truck on a busy highway near Lagos. Joshua survived with minor injuries, but the emotional pain from the incident stays fresh.

In an interview with the BBC before his comeback, Joshua said he has been keeping busy with work because he is not ready to fully deal with the loss.

"It is tough, every time I think about it, it hurts. Even talking about it now, pictures, it hurts, but I keep my mind occupied. If I stop, you let it sink in, and I am not ready for it to sink in yet."

A heartbreaking loss

The tragic accident took the lives of two men who were key parts of Joshua’s life.

Ghami had been Joshua’s full-time sports and exercise rehabilitation coach for over ten years. He had become one of Joshua’s most trusted people.

Ayodele was not just Joshua’s personal trainer; he was also one of his closest friends. Just hours before the accident, Joshua posted a video on Instagram where they were having fun playing table tennis together.

Back in the ring after a tough time

Saturday’s match against Prenga is also Joshua’s first fight since he suffered a knockout loss to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.

Even with his experience in big boxing matches, the 36-year-old said he still feels the nerves that come with every major fight. But he believes he can manage those feelings with a clear focus on what he needs to do.

"It is competition at the highest level. I want to perform for my team, I want to make them proud and make myself proud.

"It is a balance of nerves, but I understand what my job is. I have a lot of understanding and clarity on what I have to do."

Tyson Fury fight closer than ever

Joshua’s return comes as excitement builds for a long-awaited fight with Tyson Fury. This match could finally happen later this year if both men win their fights this weekend.

Fury is set to face Poland’s Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand, on Friday. This fight is seen as the last step before a big match against Joshua.

Less than a day later, Joshua will fight Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With both fights scheduled closely, Fury might be able to watch Joshua’s fight. But the former world champion made it clear that he is focused on the task at hand.

Joshua had turned down an offer to face Fury in the ring after Fury’s win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April. Yet, he hinted that their long-awaited clash could be near.

"I am not overlooking Prenga. This is a big deal for me, this fight.

"God willing, everything works out. If it is not Saturday night where we face off, it will be within the next four to six weeks."

For Joshua, Saturday means more than just a boxing match. It is a return after one of the toughest times in his life. He aims to honor the memories of the two men who supported him throughout his journey while taking a step towards another chance at boxing’s biggest titles.