OLEKSANDR USYK believes Anthony Joshua has the “desire” to honour his friends killed in a tragic car crash by returning to the boxing ring.
The former two-time heavyweight champion late last month.
Anthony Joshua lost his close friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in a tragic car crash in Nigeria last monthCredit: INSTAGRAM@SINA_EVOLVE
AJ’s fighting future remains a mystery following the horror carshCredit: AFP
, 36, escaped the fatal crash with minor injuries, but the psychological toll of losing two of his loved ones, who were members of his team, has raised questions over his fighting future.
But after having a heartfelt phone call with AJ, former rival believes the Watford warrior may return to the ring to honour the late Ayodele and Ghami.
The former two-time undisputed heavyweight champion said in an interview with Ready To Fight : “I’ve already spoken with him [Joshua].
“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.
“Once I spoke with the mother of my fallen comrade, and she told me: ‘Oleksandr, he would be very proud that you are continuing your work; he will watch you from heaven.’
“And he, I think, does that. And not just him, but all my loved ones who passed away defending our country.
“They are my guardian angels who help me in the ring.”
A long-overdue Battle of Britain with was tentatively on the cards for AJ before last year’s awful crash.
But long-time promoter believes the London 2012 gold medallist could take a “considerable amount of time” away from the sport.
He told Sky Sports: ““He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, before he makes a decision on his future.
“I do think he will want to return to , but that will be his decision when the time is right.
“It is certainly not a conversation I’ll be having with him any time soon. The only conversation is, ‘Are you OK?’
“And sometimes we find people will give that facade of being OK, but what happened to him is not normal and heartbreaking for all involved.”
Joshua on his Snapchat earlier this week.
He captioned the video: “Mental strength therapy.”
AJ, who yet to speak publicly about his fighting future, earlier this month.
He wrote on Instagram: “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers.
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.”
Oleksandr Usyk on Anthony Joshua's fighting future
Oleksandr Usyk believes Anthony Joshua still has the “desire” to competeCredit: GETTY
“I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.
“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.
“I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts.
“May God have mercy on my brothers.”
The driver of the vehicle carrying AJ and his late friends, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
The 47-year-old was also charged with charged with reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
The case has been adjourned until next Tuesday.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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