Anthony Joshua’s comeback plans clarified following friends’ tragic deaths

Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith has issued an update on when Anthony Joshua could potentially return to the ring, almost three months after being involved in a fatal car crash in which two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, were killed.

Joshua last fought on 19 December, defeating Jake Paul by knockout in the sixth round of their contest. Just ten days later, he was involved in a fatal car crash near Lagos, Nigeria, which killed Ghami and Ayodele. Joshua sustained minor injuries.

The 36-year-old posted several tributes after the crash before returning to training. In recent weeks, the Brit has been training alongside former rival Oleksandr Usyk, with the Ukrainian boasting two victories over AJ.

On Friday (20 March), footage emerged of Joshua training with Usyk, which prompted further questions about when the Watford-born heavyweight could return to action.

Just last month, Joshua’s promoter and Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn suggested that the fighter could return this summer, without naming a potential opponent.

Anthony Joshua has not fought since defeating Jake Paul in December (Credit:Getty)

Several reports have claimed that Dillian Whyte could be the man in the opposite corner, with the pair having previously fought in December 2015, when AJ came out on top.

Whyte, who boasts a record of 31–4, has not fought since losing to up-and-coming British prospect Moses Itauma last summer.

Despite suggestions that a rematch is on the cards, Matchroom CEO Smith has played down the rumours in an interview with BoxingScene.

“Not really. I mean, I don't believe so, [that Joshua could face Whyte next],” Smith explained.

“Anything can happen in boxing, but I don't believe so.”

Smith also made it clear that Matchroom’s priority is to ensure that Joshua is in good physical and mental health before he returns to action.

“The key is getting him into a position to actually know when he's ready, rather than picking a date before we know that,” he added.

“That’s the focus right now.”

The Matchroom CEO then suggested that fans could expect to see AJ return to the ring in the summer.

“It would be great to get him back out in the summer, but he's back in full training now, so that'll be how he gets himself back in there,” Smith continued.

“He's obviously been ticking over, but it's very different to what he's been doing. He's got to be right, he's got to be prepared and ready, so hopefully we get some news soon on that.”