Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua could return to the ring as a tribute to his two close friends who tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Nigeria.
The promoter met with the two-time heavyweight world champion in Dubai last week and came away convinced that the sport remains central to Joshua's recovery.
"I'm very proud of him, very proud of him and I think boxing is a massive part of his life," Hearn said, per The Sun.
"So he's training and it almost feels like being with him recently, it's like boxing saved him and it will probably save him again.
"That training, that regime, and I think he will fight on. I do. And I think he'll do it in their honour, but it's not gonna be easy."
The crash occurred four days after Christmas in Nigeria, where Joshua's parents were born.
The 36-year-old boxer had travelled to the country just 10 days following his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul.
Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua could return to the ring as a tribute to his two close friends who tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Nigeria
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Personal trainer Latif "Latz" Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami both died in the accident, while Joshua survived and was rushed to hospital.
The former unified champion has since returned to the UK, where he attended the funerals of his long-time friends.
Despite still recovering from his injuries, Joshua has resumed training as a way of supporting his mental wellbeing during this devastating period.
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Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PAHe has also shared tributes to Latz and Sina on social media alongside positive messages.
Hearn reflected on the emotional contrast between Joshua's elation after defeating Jake Paul and the tragedy that followed shortly afterwards.
"I just remember a few months ago, we were all sitting at that table, just talking about life and joking and it was weird, because after the Jake Paul fight he was on such a high," he recalled.
"Last year was painful for him, coming off the defeat to Dubois and then just seeing him so happy after the Jake Paul fight, then that happens, it's just devastating."
The promoter described Joshua's resilience as remarkable, noting that he continues to train through his injuries.
"Like I said, his strength is incredible, incredible. And he's training with his injuries, he's focused, and he's an inspiration. He really is," he added.
Anthony Joshua's car crash occurred just 10 days after his win over Jake Paul
| GETTYHearn made clear that any decisions about Joshua's boxing future will come from the fighter himself when he feels ready.
"Right now boxing's kind of in the background, everybody's coming to me, 'What's the plan?' Don't ask me about the plan," he said.
"The plan comes from him when he's ready.
"What he's doing at the moment is he's getting over his injuries."
The promoter explained that Joshua is preparing himself for a potential return to training camp, emphasising the importance of having something to focus on during such difficult times.
Hearn confirmed that while Joshua's injuries will require time to heal, they will not have any lasting impact on his career.