Two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital after a devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and long-time team members.
A Tragic Incident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The car crash occurred on Monday while Joshua was travelling in a Lexus SUV on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Nigeria. The vehicle collided with a stationary car. While Joshua escaped with what have been described as minor injuries, the accident proved instantly fatal for his companions.
His close friends Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele and Sina Ghami were killed in the collision. Both men had been integral, behind-the-scenes figures in Joshua's career for many years.
Paying Final Respects Before Repatriation
Following the tragedy, Joshua's mother, Yeta Odusanya, rushed to her son's bedside in Nigeria. A statement from the regional governments of Lagos and Ogun confirmed that Joshua was discharged from hospital on Wednesday afternoon, deemed clinically fit to recuperate at home, though "heavy hearted and full of emotions".
On Wednesday afternoon, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay their final respects to Ayodele and Ghami. The sombre visit took place as preparations were being made for the repatriation of the two men's bodies to the UK, scheduled for later that evening.
The statement also conveyed that Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appreciated the public's concern and show of affection in the wake of the tragic event.
Remembering Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami
The boxing world has been united in grief for the two men lost in the crash. Latif Ayodele was Joshua's personal trainer and a devout Muslim, having converted to Islam in 2012. A long-time friend, he had been part of 'AJ's' team since the fighter's first world title win over Charles Martin in 2016. His social media was filled with moments shared with Joshua, including a video of them playing table tennis just hours before the fatal accident.
Sina Ghami served as Joshua's strength and conditioning coach for over a decade and was the co-founder of London's Evolve Gym. A qualified sports rehabilitator, he was at Joshua's side for iconic moments, including the 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium. His final Instagram story reportedly showed Joshua's motorcade travelling through Lagos.
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, led the tributes, writing: "Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time."
