Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has opened up about a deeply emotional phone conversation with Anthony Joshua. The call happened after Joshua suffered a devastating personal loss. Two of his close friends died in a tragic car crash in Nigeria earlier this year.
A Bond Beyond Rivalry
Usyk spoke about the call during a recent interview with Ready to Fight. The two fighters faced each other in the ring twice, in 2021 and again in 2022. Their relationship has now moved beyond simple competition. Usyk described a connection that goes deeper than just boxing rivalry.
"I have already spoken with him," Oleksandr Usyk said clearly. "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." The Ukrainian champion shared that this feeling resonated with him personally. He understands what it means to carry on after loss.
Drawing Strength From Memory
Usyk explained his perspective comes from a personal experience. He once spoke with the mother of a friend who had passed away. She told him that continuing his work would honor those who are no longer here. Those words made a lasting impression on the champion.
"He is not alone," Usyk stated with conviction. "Our loved ones who are gone still watch us. They help us. I believe that." The phone call meant a great deal to Usyk. He felt Joshua's strength and purpose through his voice. Despite the pain, Usyk detected a clear desire to keep moving forward.
The Tragic Incident in Nigeria
The car crash claimed the lives of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. These men were not just friends to Anthony Joshua. They were also key members of his close team. The accident happened earlier this year on Nigerian roads.
Reports from the scene indicate the 47-year-old driver survived the crash. Authorities have charged him with multiple offenses. These include reckless and negligent driving. He also faces charges for driving without due care and attention. Furthermore, he was operating the vehicle without a valid license at the time of the accident.
Questions About Joshua's Boxing Future
After news of the tragedy broke, many fans and analysts wondered about Joshua's career. Would the former champion step away from boxing? His promoter, Eddie Hearn, addressed these questions directly in a conversation with Sky Sports.
"He needs time physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually," Eddie Hearn explained. "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?'"
Joshua had been linked to a potential major fight with Tyson Fury this year. Those discussions have now been paused indefinitely. The focus has shifted completely from boxing to personal recovery.
Joshua's Path to Healing
Anthony Joshua has begun sharing glimpses of his healing process. Earlier this week, he posted a short training video from Dubai. He captioned the clip with a simple yet powerful phrase: "Mental strength therapy." The video showed him moving, working, and slowly trying to rebuild.
Joshua also shared a longer written message online to honor his departed friends. He thanked people for their outpouring of love and support. The former champion acknowledged how difficult this loss has been. He specifically mentioned the profound impact on the families of his friends.
In his message, Joshua wrote that he believes God knows their hearts. He asked for mercy for his friends who passed away. Anthony Joshua remains a former two-time heavyweight world champion. For now, those closest to him emphasize that boxing decisions can wait.
The current focus remains on recovery, family, and taking one day at a time. The emotional call between Usyk and Joshua highlights how the boxing community supports its own during times of profound personal tragedy.
