Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is in a stable condition after surviving a serious car crash in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday. The tragic incident claimed the lives of two of his close friends and long-time team members.
Heartbreaking Timing of Social Media Post
In a cruel twist of fate, Joshua, 36, had shared a video on Instagram just hours before the crash. The clip showed him laughing and playing table tennis with his friend and personal trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. The pair were in high spirits, unaware of the tragedy that would unfold later that day.
The vehicle Joshua was travelling in with three other passengers collided with a stationary truck in Lagos. Joshua did not require any emergency medical help and is reported to be in a stable condition. However, the crash proved fatal for Ayodele and Sina Ghami, Joshua's strength and conditioning coach.
Tributes for Two 'Great Men'
Joshua's promoters, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed the identities of the victims in a statement. Chairman Eddie Hearn paid tribute, writing: ‘Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.’
The boxing world has been quick to offer condolences. Jake Paul, whom Joshua knocked out in Miami just ten days prior to the accident, posted on Twitter: ‘RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif / Latz’ Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ.’
Other fighters also shared their grief. Chris Eubank Jr wrote: ‘Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both… they were genuinely good men.’ World champion Ellie Scotney described the news as ‘absolutely heartbreaking’.
Who Were Joshua's Friends and Team Members?
Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele was a long-time friend of Joshua's, having been part of his team since the boxer's first world title win over Charles Martin in 2016. He served as Joshua's personal trainer and was a dedicated Muslim. His social media was filled with moments from the gym and downtime with Joshua. Ayodele also worked with other elite athletes, including New Zealand rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams.
Sina Ghami was Joshua's strength and conditioning coach for over a decade and was a co-founder of Evolve Gym in London. A qualified sports rehabilitator, he was by Joshua's side for career-defining moments, including the famous victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in 2017. His final Instagram story appeared to show Joshua's motorcade in Lagos.
Both men were integral, behind-the-scenes figures in Joshua's tight-knit team, celebrated not just for their professional roles but as cherished friends.
