Oleksandr Usyk has revealed he reached out to Anthony Joshua following the devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of the British heavyweight's close friends.
Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, who were not only companions but key members of Joshua's team, died in the accident from which the 36-year-old escaped with minor injuries.
The Ukrainian, who defeated Joshua in both their 2021 and 2022 encounters, told Ready to Fight that he detected determination in his former opponent during their conversation.
Usyk said: "I've already spoken with him. I heard a desire to continue in his voice for the friends he lost and for the chance to live that the Lord gave him."
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The boxer drew parallels between Joshua's situation and his own experiences with loss, referencing conversations he has had with bereaved families in Ukraine.
The former unified heavyweight champion recalled: "Once I spoke with the mother of my fallen comrade, and she told me: 'Oleksandr, he would be very proud that you are continuing your work; he will watch you from heaven'.
"And he, I think, does that. And not just him, but all my loved ones who passed away defending our country. They are my guardian angels who help me in the ring."
Prior to the tragedy, Joshua had been linked with a blockbuster bout against Tyson Fury this year, but those plans have now been shelved.
Oleksandr Usyk has revealed he reached out to Anthony Joshua following the devastating car crash in Nigeria
|GETTY
Promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports that the former two-time world champion will require space before making any decisions about his career.
Hearn explained: "He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, before he makes a decision on his future."
The Matchroom boss added that while he believes Joshua will ultimately want to return to the ring, that choice must come when the timing feels appropriate.
Hearn said: "It is certainly not a conversation I'll be having with him any time soon. The only conversation is, 'Are you OK?'"
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Anthony Joshua was in a fatal car crash in Nigeria
| XHe acknowledged that Joshua's outward composure may mask deeper pain from an experience he described as "not normal and heartbreaking for all involved".
Despite the emotional turmoil, Joshua has resumed his boxing preparations in Dubai.
Earlier this week, the heavyweight shared footage of himself hitting pads, describing the session as "mental strength therapy".
The former champion also posted a moving tribute to Ayodele and Ghami on Instagram, reflecting on the time they spent together.
Anthony Joshua is back in the UK
| XJoshua 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."
He acknowledged the difficulty of his situation whilst recognising the greater burden carried by the families of his late friends.
The 47-year-old driver of the vehicle survived and has been charged with reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and operating a vehicle without a valid licence.