Oleksandr Usyk speaks about heartbreaking call with Anthony Joshua after deadly crash and his next move in boxing

Oleksandr Usyk has spoken about a very emotional phone call with Anthony Joshua after Joshua lost two close friends in a tragic car crash in Nigeria. The heavyweight champion said the talk meant a lot to him.

He also shared why he believes Joshua still wants to continue his boxing career, even after going through such a painful moment.The crash took the lives of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, who were not only friends of Anthony Joshua but also part of his close team. Many fans wondered if Joshua would step away from boxing. But after hearing his voice, Usyk said he felt strength, purpose, and a desire to keep moving forward.

Oleksandr Usyk spoke about his recent call with Anthony Joshua during an interview with Ready to Fight.

The two fighters faced each other in the ring in 2021 and 2022, but Usyk said their bond now goes beyond rivalry.“I have already spoken with him,” Oleksandr Usyk said. “I heard a desire to continue in his voice. For the friends he lost and for the chance to live that the Lord gave him.” Usyk shared that he understands this feeling deeply. He explained that he once spoke with the mother of a fallen friend, who told him that continuing his work would honor those who had passed.

Usyk said those words stayed with him.“He is not alone,” Usyk said. “Our loved ones who are gone still watch us. They help us. I believe that.”The crash happened earlier this year in Nigeria. Reports said the 47-year-old driver survived and has been charged with reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid license.

After the crash, questions quickly grew about Anthony Joshua’s future.

Joshua had been linked to a major fight with Tyson Fury this year, but those talks are now paused.Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, spoke to Sky Sports and said the focus right now is not boxing.“He needs time physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually,” Eddie Hearn said. “I do think he will want to return to boxing. But that will be his choice when the time is right. The only thing we are asking now is, ‘Are you OK?’”Earlier this week, Anthony Joshua shared a short training video from Dubai and wrote, “Mental strength therapy.” The post showed him moving, working, and slowly trying to heal. Joshua also shared a long message online to honor his friends. He thanked people for their love and said the loss has been very hard, especially for the families. He wrote that he believes God knows their hearts and asked for mercy for his friends.Anthony Joshua is a former two-time heavyweight world champion. For now, those close to him say boxing decisions can wait. Right now, the focus is on recovery, family, and taking one day at a time.