Anthony Joshua was seen smiling again as he made a surprise appearance at a youth football training session in Hertfordshire. The former heavyweight world champion watched his ten-year-old son, JJ, train with his team and spent time greeting the children. Joshua was photographed high-fiving the youngsters, lifting the mood at the session and showing a lighter side after a deeply painful period in his life.
The appearance marked one of the first times Joshua has been seen in public since the tragic car crash in Nigeria in December. The accident claimed the lives of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele. Recently, he thanked fans for their messages of support, sharing a brief note online expressing love and unity.
Anthony Joshua opens up on loss and promises to honour his friends
My Brothers Keeper For Life ~ Anthony Joshua
Earlier this week, Anthony Joshua spoke publicly for the first time about the crash in an emotional YouTube video. He admitted he is still struggling to fully understand the loss of his two friends. He said their popularity and the love shown toward them had been overwhelming. Joshua shared that he feels proud of who they were and believes their families should feel the same pride.
He explained that the message he shared was not about himself but about the families left behind.
Joshua said he and those close to him had seen the countless messages, prayers, and tributes from around the world. He thanked supporters for their kindness and urged them to continue spreading that love. He also sent his thoughts to anyone who has lost a son or brother, saying the love being shown is being returned just as strongly.
In the video, titled “My Brothers Keeper For Life”, Joshua paid tribute to both men, who were also his colleagues. He described them as powerful figures in his life who protected and guided him. Losing them, he said, felt like losing his left and right sides.
Joshua added that he plans to continue praying and working to help fulfil their dreams for their families. The crash happened when the 4×4 vehicle they were travelling in struck a stationary truck near Lagos. The driver, Adeniyi Kayode, has denied causing death by dangerous driving and also denies not holding a valid licence.
Despite the tragedy, Joshua’s appearance at the football session showed a small step forward.