British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has issued a deeply emotional tribute following the tragic deaths of two close friends in a devastating car crash in Nigeria.
The Tragic Incident Near Lagos
The fatal accident occurred on December 29 on a major road near Lagos. Joshua was travelling in the vehicle with his friends when it collided with a stationary truck. The boxer's companions, Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, one of his trainers, both lost their lives in the crash.
The 36-year-old Joshua was taken to hospital for treatment but was later discharged. He subsequently returned to the United Kingdom ahead of the funerals for his two friends.
Joshua's Heartfelt Social Media Tribute
Taking to Instagram, the former world champion expressed his grief and admiration for the men. "Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers," Joshua wrote. "I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men."
He acknowledged the profound loss, stating, "100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers."
Legal Aftermath and Holiday Context
In a development confirmed last Friday, the Ogun State Police Command announced that the driver of the car, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged in relation to the crash. Joshua was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
The Watford-born boxer, who has Nigerian heritage, was on holiday in the country following his significant sporting victory. This trip came after his sixth-round knockout win over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
The boxing community and fans worldwide have been offering their condolences to Joshua and the families of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele following this heartbreaking event.
