Instead, the two-time heavyweight champion insisted that it is boxing that gives his life purpose after he walked away from the accident that day with only minor injuries. Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) took part in his first launch press conference of the year Monday afternoon in London ahead of his fight with huge underdog Kristian Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) on July 25 at Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The event is appropriately promoted as “The Comeback.”

It was also the first time Joshua has faced the media since Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, his close friends and camp members, were tragically killed December 29 as they all travelled in the same vehicle just outside Lagos, Nigeria.

It was unclear at first whether Joshua would ever box again. Even Eddie Hearn, his promoter for his entire boxing career, doubted if he would return.

But when asked Monday whether he had contemplated retirement during those early stages of grieving, Joshua was unequivocal in his response.

“No because this is my purpose,” Joshua told a small clutch of reporters. “Boxing is not only good for the competitive side of things, but it’s quite therapeutic and gives us a lot of purpose. I think that’s what it does for me.

“I know this is the place where I’m most comfortable. I know that it gives me a lot of purpose in my life. I’m content being here with you guys. This is where I feel most comfortable.”

It was on January 29 when Joshua first surfaced publicly following the accident, with a video uploaded to his social media accounts, entitled “My Brothers Keeper For Life.” In it, he paid tribute to his friends and vowed to box on to honor both them and their families.

However, he didn’t return to training camp until many weeks after that.

“Really it was only about two months ago,” Joshua said, when asked when he had felt ready to return to training. “I was obviously training, but there are levels of training and it was two months ago that I really started ramping things up. It has been good. Pre-camp [went] well and I feel solid. I can obviously get fitter, stronger and I can push myself more, but I’m in a good place for where I am now.”

So, was that about feeling ready mentally or physically?

“Physically because I’m mentally very strong,” Joshua said. “It was just physically you’ve got to get yourself ready for sparring. We’re here, the comeback. This brings purpose to what you’re doing in training camp.”

While Joshua put on a brave face for the media, there is no denying that the 36-year-old endured a deeply traumatic experience fewer than six months ago. Joshua admitted that he has dealt with the loss by attempting to bury his emotions for a “later stage.”

“It’s not for everyone, but I think for me that’s the best way for me to handle the situation,” Joshua said. “It’s not about me; it’s bigger than me. Everyone’s different, but for me I have to put my emotion to the side because I just focus on their parents. My emotions can come at a later stage, but I really look at the parents and understand it must be most difficult for them.

“I’ve always been dedicated. It’s not about being more, but it’s definitely different. I’m just there for their parents. That’s for me, number one, being a good soldier for them. I’ve got to look after the boys’ parents. I don’t make it about me, I make it about the mums and the dads of the two boys.”