Anthony Joshua has made his first public appearance since the death of close friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, arriving at the O2 Arena to support Derek Chisora.
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria on 29 December, which killed Ghami and Ayodele.
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Joshua has kept a low profile in recent months after he attended the funeral of his close friends, and Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has reiterated “AJ” needs time to heal.
But the duo were together on Saturday for Chisora’s 50th and final fight of his career, as he took on Deontay Wilder in London.
Dressed in a white tracksuit, Joshua emerged with Hearn from a black people-carrier and cut a calm figure as he walked into the arena past a number of camera crews.
There was no friendly welcome from old rival Wilder, who was repeatedly linked with a world-title bout with Joshua during the peak of their powers, as the American went straight past the London heavyweight without any acknowledgement in a tight corridor inside the O2.
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Joshua last fought before Christmas when he stopped YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, but speculation continues over a potential bout with Tyson Fury.
Anthony Joshua, left, was ringside alongside promoter Eddie Hearn (Adam DAvy/PA) (PA)
During a short ringside interview with DAZN, Joshua backed fellow Finchley boxer Chisora to win, but “Delboy” lost a razor-close decision after 12 rounds.
“It amazing to be here. Boxing, especially British boxing, is booming,” Joshua said.
“I’m obviously bias, I’m rocking with Derek regardless, so I’m Team Chisora.”
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