British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has revealed that the tragic deaths of two of his closest friends continue to weigh heavily on him as he prepares for his long-awaited return to the ring.

Joshua will face Albania’s Kristian Prenga on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, marking his first fight since the fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of trusted members of his inner circle, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, in December 2025.

Speaking ahead of the bout, the former two-time heavyweight world champion admitted he has deliberately buried himself in training because he is not yet emotionally ready to confront the full impact of their loss.

“It is tough. Every time I think about it, it hurts. Even talking about it now, pictures, it hurts,” Joshua said.

“But I keep my mind occupied. If I stop, you let it sink in, and I am not ready for it to sink in yet.”

The accident occurred on December 29, 2025, when the vehicle carrying Joshua, Ghami, Ayodele and a driver collided with a stationary truck on a major highway near Lagos. While Joshua escaped with minor injuries, Ghami and Ayodele lost their lives.

Their deaths left a profound void in Joshua’s camp.

Ghami had served as Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for more than a decade, playing a key role in the boxer’s preparation and recovery throughout his career.

Ayodele, meanwhile, was far more than a personal trainer, having become one of Joshua’s closest friends. Hours before the crash, Joshua had shared a video on social media showing the pair enjoying a game of table tennis together.

Saturday’s contest also represents Joshua’s first appearance since his knockout defeat to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.

Despite his experience at the highest level, the 36-year-old admitted he still feels the nerves that come with every major fight.

“It is competition at the highest level. I want to perform for my team, I want to make them proud and make myself proud,” he said.

“It is a balance of nerves, but I understand what my job is. I have a lot of understanding and clarity on what I have to do.”

A victory over Prenga would put Joshua on course for a potential blockbuster showdown with fellow Briton Tyson Fury, but for now, the former champion says his focus remains firmly on honouring the memory of those he lost by doing what they loved watching him do most—fight.