Topics: Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Nigeria
Anthony Joshua’s camp has released a statement after the boxer suffered minor injuries during a car crash in Nigeria, which left two of his friends dead.
The fatal crash occurred at around 12. a.m. local time on Monday (December 29) when the Lexus SUV Joshua was travelling in struck a stationary truck on an expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos - the nation’s largest city.
Joshua appeared dazed and in pain during videos taken shortly after the crash, before he was taken to a hospital in nearby Sagamu for further checks.
As reported by BBC News, Joshua remains in a stable condition in hospital and will remain there for observation. The driver of the vehicle is also said to be injured.
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Nigeria’s federal road safety corps also confirmed that a total of five male adults were involved in the crash, during an X post.
The two men who died were his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
Ghami had acted as a strength and conditioning coach for AJ while Ayodele had been a trainer in the boxer’s camp. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Just a few hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video of himself and Ayodele playing table tennis to his Instagram story. Although it is unclear when the video was recorded.
According to Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi of Nigeria's Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), early investigations into the incident appear to suggest that the Lexus “experienced a tyre burst” due to “excessive speed” which caused “lost control”.
After the tragic news filtered through, tributes began pouring in with boxing journalist Steve Bunce describing Ghami and Ayodele as being “massive parts” of Joshua’s life, while Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said both were “great men”.
A spokesperson also released a statement on behalf of Joshua, which read: “It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele.
“Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team. We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news. Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”
Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu also took to X to confirm that he had “spoken to AJ” to “convey” his “condolences” following the tragic passing of the boxer's two friends. Tinubu also wished the boxer a “full and speedy recovery” while confirming he had spoken to him on the phone.
