Anthony Joshua breaks silence after crash that killed two friends

Former two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is in stable condition following a serious road traffic accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that tragically claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and key members of his team.

Joshua’s management and promoter, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed with “profound sadness” that Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, also known as Kevin ‘Lateef’ or ‘Latz’ Ayodele, were killed in the crash on December 29.

Ghami, a renowned strength and conditioning coach and co-founder of Evolve Gym in London, had worked with Joshua for over a decade, playing a critical role in enhancing his power and endurance. Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, was not only a dedicated fitness expert but also known for his humanitarian efforts in Nigeria.

The accident occurred around 11 a.m. local time when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team collided with a stationary truck. Initial reports from Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps cited excessive speed and a wrongful overtaking maneuver as contributing factors, while Ogun State police later mentioned that a possible tire burst might have caused loss of control.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a heavily trafficked route linking Nigeria’s economic hub to other regions, has long been criticized for high fatality rates due to heavy traffic, poor road maintenance, and frequent vehicle breakdowns.

Joshua, who was seated in the rear, sustained injuries but remained conscious and able to communicate with his family. He was evacuated to a specialized medical facility in Lagos for observation, and authorities confirmed that no emergency interventions were necessary.

The 36-year-old British-Nigerian boxer had recently achieved a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami and was visiting Nigeria during the holiday season. Hours before the accident, social media posts showed him enjoying lighthearted moments, including playing table tennis with Ayodele.

Tributes quickly poured in from the global boxing community, including from Jake Paul, who wrote, “Life is much more important than boxing.

I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted.” Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally reached out to Joshua to offer condolences. Matchroom Boxing emphasized the need for privacy for the bereaved families, stating, “Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected.”…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>