A video purportedly of Anthony Joshua announcing his retirement has garnered significant attention across social media platforms. In this clip, Joshua is allegedly seen discussing the impact of a recent tragedy that claimed the lives of two of his associates.
Fatal Accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The incident occurred on December 29, when a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his entourage collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. This tragic accident resulted in the deaths of two close associates:
- Kevin Latif Ayodele — Personal Trainer
- Sina Ghami — Strength and Conditioning Coach
While Joshua survived the crash, he sustained injuries and was hospitalized in Lagos. He was discharged on December 31, 2022.
Viral Video and Response
The video in question shows an emotional Joshua expressing remorse and questioning his existence after losing his friends. He reportedly stated, “They have left this world because of me. Therefore, I have officially decided to step away from boxing.”
This video was shared extensively by Ope Royal TV on Facebook, amassing over 220,000 views and 1,200 shares. However, not everything in the clip is as it seems.
Debunking the Hoax
Investigations by CableCheck revealed that the video is an AI-generated fabrication. Analysts noted several inconsistencies, such as:
- Combination of independent clips spliced together
- AI-generated voice-over not matching Joshua’s speech
- Footage manipulated from a previous press conference following his loss to Oleksandr Usyk on August 20, 2022
As of now, Joshua has not made any public statements to address the viral video or the events surrounding the accident.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the retirement video that has captured public interest is a hoax. As the investigation shows, it is a product of advanced AI manipulation, not a genuine announcement from the former heavyweight champion.
