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Anthony Joshua, the former world heavyweight champion, is paying tribute to his friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who lost their lives in a car crash in Nigeria on December 29. Joshua, who was a passenger in the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital on New Year’s Eve. The crash occurred when the Lexus SUV they were traveling in collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, allegedly due to excessive speed and a tyre burst.
Joshua has since returned to the UK and has been sharing emotional posts on social media, expressing his gratitude for the support he’s received. “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are… May God have mercy on my brothers,” he wrote on X. Ghami, a sports and exercise rehabilitator, and Ayodele, a personal trainer, were long-time members of Joshua’s team and close friends.
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with multiple offenses, including causing death by dangerous driving, and is currently on bail. The case has been adjourned to January 20. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences to Joshua and the victims’ families, wishing Joshua a speedy recovery.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has stated that Joshua needs time and privacy to grieve and hasn’t discussed his boxing career plans yet. Fellow boxers, including Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, have also paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele.
The crash has sparked an outpouring of grief and support from the boxing world, with many praising Ghami and Ayodele’s contributions to Joshua’s career. The memorial services for the two friends were held in London on Sunday.
Joshua’s tribute to his friends has resonated with fans, and people are coming together to support him during this difficult time.
