Has Anthony Joshua Really Retired? Here Are the Facts Behind the Viral Posts

Over the past few days, social media—especially Facebook—has exploded with claims that Anthony Joshua has officially retired from boxing.

But after reviewing all credible reports, the truth is much more complicated.

Below is a clear breakdown of what’s confirmed, what’s speculation, and what’s being misreported.

What Actually Happened?

On December 29, Anthony Joshua was involved in a tragic car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends and team members: Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Joshua survived with minor injuries but has remained largely silent publicly since the accident.

Multiple news outlets confirm the crash and the deaths of his friends Yahoo Sports +2.

Where Did the Retirement Rumors Come From?

The retirement claims did NOT come from Anthony Joshua, nor from his promoter, Matchroom, nor from any official statement.

Instead, the story originated from Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, who told Nigerian outlet Punch that Joshua had told the family he was retiring.

This claim was then repeated by several media outlets:

Sources Reporting the Uncle’s Claim

• BoxingScene – Reports Joshua is “seriously considering retirement,” citing his uncle Boxing Scene

• MiddleEasy – States the uncle claimed Joshua has “stepped away from the ring” MiddleEasy

• Yahoo Sports – Reports the uncle said Joshua “has retired from boxing” Yahoo Sports

• The Liberal – Repeats the uncle’s statement but notes no official confirmation exists TheLiberal.ie

• Bloody Elbow – Says family members claim Joshua told them he’ll retire Bloody Elbow

These articles all share one thing in common:

They rely solely on the uncle’s comments—not on Joshua himself.

What Has Anthony Joshua Said?

Nothing about retirement.

The only public message Joshua has posted since the crash was a tribute to his friends at their funeral, captioned:

“My Brothers Keeper.” Yahoo Sports

No retirement announcement.

No career update.

No statement from his team.

What Do Credible Reports Agree On?

Here’s what all reputable sources confirm:

✔️ Confirmed Facts

• Joshua was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria Yahoo Sports +2

• Two close friends died in the accident Yahoo Sports +2

• Joshua attended their funerals and posted a tribute Yahoo Sports

• Joshua has not made any public statement about retirement

• Matchroom and his management have not confirmed retirement

❌ Not Confirmed

• That Joshua has officially retired

• That he has made any final decision about his boxing future

Even Daily Express US notes that while the uncle claims Joshua plans to retire, “sources say no final decision has been made” the-express.com.

So Is Anthony Joshua Retired?

No.

Not officially.

Not publicly.

Not confirmed by Joshua or his team.

Right now, the only retirement talk is coming from one family member, and media outlets are amplifying that quote.

Until Joshua himself speaks—or his promoter issues a statement—this remains unverified speculation, not fact.

Why This Matters

In the age of viral posts, misinformation spreads fast—especially when it involves a global sports icon like Anthony Joshua.

This blog gives your audience the real story, backed by verified sources, so they aren’t misled by sensational headlines.

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Final Takeaway

Anthony Joshua has not announced his retirement.

The only retirement claims come from his uncle, and no official confirmation exists.

As of now, Joshua’s future remains unknown, not decided.