Eddie Hearn was unsure whether Anthony Joshua would be able to return to boxing after being involved in a deadly car accident.
Two of Joshua’s close friends and coaches, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, were killed when the Jeep the three were travelling in struck a stationary lorry near Lagos, Nigeria, in December.
Joshua himself escaped the smash with minor injuries and is due to return to the ring barely six months later, with a fight pencilled in against Kristian Prenga for July 25. It is seen as a prelude to an upcoming bout with Tyson Fury, due to take place later this year.
Speaking at the pre-fight press conference, Hearn insisted Joshua was back to the peak of his powers after suffering what could have been career-ending injuries.
The promoter said: “You’re talking about six months where he was involved in a tragic accident. Physically, he was seriously damaged in that accident.
"Mentally and emotionally, you can only imagine what was going through his mind. What he has done to pull himself back, physically and emotionally with this driving force. He’s more dangerous than he’s been before.
“After the accident, you never know if you’re ever going to be the same. I don’t think you can be. I don’t think it’s something you ever get over.”
He also explained that Joshua hoped to honour Ghami and Ayodele, who worked as part of his coaching staff, with a win over Prenga.
Hearn continued: “Before he could even get into camp, he had to do three months of rehab, the menial stuff, being on a bike for three hours a day. Doing little movements with his body.
“I didn’t know physically if he would ever return to boxing. Mentally is a different thing.”
Joshua was more understated, simply saying he was grateful for the ‘purpose and focus’ boxing affords him.
“You have to put a road map in front of a fighter and show them what is point one, point two, point three. It gives purpose and focus. I know what my year looks like.
“Give me the opportunity to fight Prenga, give me the opportunity to fight Fury, give me the opportunity to fight for the championship.
“It ain’t about looking past anyone, it’s just knowing your purpose and knowing your steps forward and moving up the ladder.
“I’ve got a clear goal, I know what this year is about, I know how tough this year is going to be. I’ve been training hard, that’s my life.”
