Anthony Joshua pays heartbreaking tribute to friends killed in car crash

Two of Joshua's close friends died in the crash

Joshua was also involved in the crash, but was reported to have sustained "minor injuries."

Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele were both in the car alongside Joshua, and both tragically lost their lives in the accident.

Writing on social media, Joshua said: "Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers.

"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 incident took place just days after Joshua's bout with the YouTuber Jake Paul in Miami, and the 36-year-old is believed to have been in the African country celebrating his win.

Joshua is a two-time world heavyweight champion, rising to fame after securing gold at the 2012 London Olympics, before defeating Wladimir Klitschko to claim the WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight titles 5 years later.

There are rumours that Joshua has decided to retire from the sport as a result of the impact of the crash, but these are yet to be officially confirmed by the fighter.

His uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has said that AJ is ready to retire.

Speaking to Nigerian outlet, The Punch, Adedamola said: “The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally.

“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest. All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also.

“Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”