Deontay Wilder has told Anthony Joshua to “stay strong” and said he is “praying” for his heavyweight rival following the deaths of two of the British friend’s friends in December.
Joshua suffered minor injuries in a road traffic accident in Nigeria on December 29, which resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
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The trio were passengers in a car that collided with a stationary truck on a road near Lagos.
“We’re all one family in this boxing business,” Wilder told BBC Sport.
“So, from brother to brother – keep the encouragement, Anthony Joshua. Keep your head high, Anthony Joshua.
“Keep praying, brother, because you still have life.”
Wilder, who faces Englishman Derek Chisora in London on April 4, said the accident reminded him of an “old relationship” with his cousin who was killed in a car crash.
“It’s hard to find the words to tell someone, but know that we are praying for you,” Wilder said.
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“My words may not mean anything at this moment. Maybe later.
“I don’t know where he is mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually, but I do know that I would advise him to stay strong.”
Despite being long-time rivals, former heavyweight world champions Joshua and Wilder have never shared a ring.
An undisputed title fight collapsed in 2018, when Wilder captured the WBC belt and Joshua held the WBA, WBO and IBF titles.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Wilder discussed mental health issues stemming from personal life issues and said the “fire” inside him is still there as he and Chisora prepare for their 50th professional boxing fight.
“With the help of two therapists and a sports psychologist, I’m here to reinvent myself and regroup myself. I know I’m back,” Wilder said.