A heartbreaking reason why Anthony Joshua's friend was travelling with in Nigeria has been revealed by his uncle.
On Monday, the two-time world heavyweight champion was involved in a car crash which claimed the lives of two of his friends.
The crash, in Makun, Ogun State, on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, a Lexus Jeep which collided with a stationary truck by the side of the road.
Images of Joshua in the backseat of the vehicle surrounding by glass emerged and he was later taken to hospital to recover from minor injuries, with suggestions that "the possibility of rib and knee injury” was mentioned by source allegedly close to Joshua’s “inner circle” despite being in a stable condition.
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One report claimed he said, “I feel pain all over my body” in his first words after the crash.
Authorities confirmed that that two adult males had lost their lives in the tragic accident and they were later named as Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both 36 and close associates of Joshua's and key members of his team.
Both have been integral in preparing for Joshua for his many big fights, including his recent knockout win over Jake Paul in Miami.
Sina, co-founded the Evolve Gym in London and worked with Joshua in his camp as his sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for more then a decade.
He sparked a friendship Joshua, with Shahryar Rumi revealing their relationship was so close that the boxer had taken him to Nigeria on the trip so that he wasn't alone.
"They were friends, Anthony Joshua and Sina," Rumi told The Times.
"They worked together, but they began as friends. Even on this trip, he didn’t want him to be alone, so he went with him.”
He was also described as a "selfless angel".
'Latz', meanwhile, was close with Joshua before he won Olympic gold and set about becoming one of the biggest names in boxing.
The former semi-professional footballer was Joshua's strength and conditioning coach and was described as "an inspirational person" by his friend Mustafa Briggs.
"This is one of the craziest, toughest days of my life," he told Sky News.
"Everybody who knew him loved him," he said. "He lived his life the best way he knew. He was someone who always put his faith first, he was somebody who put prayer as a priority and maintaining a good relationship with everybody he knew.
"He didn't have a bad intention towards anybody. Everybody will always remember him smiling, laughing, being cheerful, and being an inspirational person."
Joshua had shared a video of him playing table tennis with Latif hours before the crash, while Sina, the other casualty in the accident, posted a picture of a jeep vehicle on the road and tagged Lagos, Nigeria, as his location.
Early investigations appear indicate that he Lexus Josh was in “experienced a tyre burst” which may have occurred due to “excessive speed” and prompted a loss of control. There are further investigations taking place.
In a statement, Joshua's long-time promoter Eddie Hearn offered his "deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected" and asked that "privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time".
Joshua has not commented directly but his family said they have "not been allowed to see him" though he is "responding to treatment" according to information they have received.
Tyson and John Fury have offered tributes to Joshua's late friends, as most recent opponent Jake Paul.
Topics: Anthony Joshua, Boxing
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