British heavyweight Anthony Joshua has returned to training, taking a step forward in his recovery after a car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends and team members.

The 36-year-old former world champion suffered minor injuries in the accident on December 29, which claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele when their vehicle collided with a stationary truck near Lagos.

Nineteen days after the crash, Joshua shared a video on Snapchat showing him hitting pads and working out, with “mental strength therapy” displayed on one clip.

The training comes just weeks after he defeated Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December.

In a heartfelt Instagram tribute last week, Joshua wrote,, “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.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports that Joshua will return to boxing “when the time is right,” stressing the need for him to recover physically, mentally, and emotionally.

He said, “The only conversation is ‘are you OK?’ … what happened to him is not normal and heartbreaking for all involved. When the time is right, I believe he will make his decision and you will hear it from him.”

Joshua’s return to the gym marks his determination to heal and rebuild strength while mourning the loss of his close friends.

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