Police in Nigeria have launched a manhunt for the driver of a stationary truck involved in a fatal collision with a car carrying former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The crash on Monday claimed the lives of two of Joshua's close friends and long-time team members.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The incident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Nigeria. Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a truck parked on the hard shoulder. His friends, identified as Latif 'Latz' Ayodele and Sina Ghami, were killed. Joshua sustained minor injuries and has since been discharged from hospital.
Authorities confirmed the truck was illegally parked and that the driver, an unnamed man in his 30s, was not present at the scene at the time of the accident. A local official stated the vehicle had not broken down, intensifying the search for the driver who is now wanted by police.
Tributes and the Victims
Ayodele and Ghami were integral members of Joshua's inner circle. Latif 'Latz' Ayodele was Joshua's personal trainer and had been part of his team since his first world title win in 2016. A devout Muslim, he was a familiar face on Joshua's social media, with a video of them playing table tennis posted just hours before the crash.
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 by Joshua's side for historic moments, including his iconic victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in 2017.
Aftermath and Boxing Future in Question
Following his discharge, a heavy-hearted Joshua paid his final respects to his friends at a funeral home in Lagos before their scheduled repatriation. Reports indicate he suffered 'pain all over' his body, with particular agony in his knees.
The tragedy has cast doubt on Joshua's boxing future. Promoter Frank Warren suggested the mental impact could affect Joshua's appetite to fight again. Joshua's own promoter, Eddie Hearn, paid tribute online, praising the victims' 'energy and loyalty'.
Statements from the regional governments of Lagos and Ogun expressed appreciation for the public's concern, while the boxing world awaits news on how the former champion will recover from this profound personal loss.
