AJ, 36, was involved in a car accident in Nigeria last month which killed his team members Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, and Hearn has now stressed that any discussion about retirement or a return to the ring is entirely secondary to Joshua’s recovery and wellbeing.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Hearn said: “I think we live in a world today where everyone feels like they deserve to know how he’s feeling and what’s next. I’m getting calls every day from media asking for an update on his career, and it’s like, are you serious?
“Right now, whilst he’ll need strength around him, he should be left alone to recover physically and emotionally and spiritually. Anything you hear about his career - until you hear it from AJ - don’t believe it.”
Joshua sustained minor injuries in the crash, which occurred near Lagos and resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, both part of his inner circle.
Hearn made clear that boxing conversations are not even close to taking place.
The Matchroom Boxing promoter said: “Unfortunately it was a terrible accident, a tragic situation, and he’ll take a little bit of time to recover physically. I think more will come out on that when Anthony’s prepared to share it.
“For me, I find it a little bit disrespectful to even talk about boxing right now. This is not boxing, this is life, and this is the very, very sad side of life.”
Last month, Joshua claimed a sixth-round victory over Jake Paul, 28, in Miami, Florida admitting afterwards that the performance was not perfect but reaffirming his desire to test himself against the very best.
He also renewed his long-standing call for a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury, 37, who himself has recently announced his return to the ring for later in 2026.
However, Hearn reiterated that any such plans are irrelevant at the moment given AJ's situation.
He said: “Right now there’s no comment on AJ’s career until we have an opportunity for that time to come where a conversation should take place, and that’s no where near happening right now.”
Following the fatal crash, Joshua paid an emotional tribute to his friends on social media, acknowledging the support he has received while asking for prayers for the families affected.
The fighter wrote: “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. 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.
“100 percent it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents [heart emoji] I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers [prayer emoji] (sic).”
