Anthony Joshua has a “desire to continue” despite suffering a tragic car crash in Nigeria last month, his old foe, now close pal, Oleksandr Usyk, has said.

Earlier this month, Joshua’s uncle claimed the heavyweight behemoth had informed his family he will retire following the crash. The Brit allegedly made the decision “known to his family in private.”

But 39-year-old Usyk- who famously beat Joshua twice in 2021 and 2022 and has formed a rather close bond with the Brit in recent times- has now revealed a conversation he had with the boxing legend. During a recent interview with Ready To Fight, he 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.”

Usyk has worked closely with Joshua these past few months after Joshua enlisted the help of the Ukrainian ahead of his fight with Paul last month. The 39-year-old is expected to make his return to the ring later this year, having not fought since his knockout win over Daniel Dubois back in July.

Last week, pictures emerged of Joshua returning to the gym nearly three weeks after the incident in Nigeria.

‘AJ’ shared snaps of him working out and hitting pads in what he described as “mental strength therapy.”

He was also seen pushing himself with some lower leg exercises as well as riding a stationary bike. Further footage showed the boxing star getting in a pool in a compilation of footage.