By Iyunade Grace
London is mourning the loss of Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif “Latz” Ayodele, two close friends and team members of boxer Anthony Joshua, who tragically died in a car accident in Nigeria on December 29, 2025. The Janaza (funeral) prayer service is being held today, January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque, with a separate service for Ghami at Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium.
Ghami, Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer, were killed when the Lexus SUV they were traveling in collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Joshua, who was also in the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital on New Year’s Eve .
The boxing community has paid tribute to the pair, with Joshua breaking his silence on social media, posting “My Brother’s Keeper” alongside a photo with grieving family members. Other boxers, including Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, have also expressed their condolences.
Ghami and Ayodele were more than colleagues to Joshua; they were integral members of his inner circle, contributing to his success over many years. Ghami co-founded Evolve Gym in London and worked with elite athletes across multiple sports.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) and Matchroom Boxing have extended their condolences to the families and friends of Ghami and Ayodele. The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a license.
