Anthony Joshua has paid an emotional tribute to two close friends who died in a car crash in Nigeria, describing them as “brothers” and pledging lifelong support to their families.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion spoke publicly for the first time since the incident, which occurred on 29 December, when a vehicle carrying Joshua and members of his team collided with a stationary truck in Lagos.
Joshua sustained minor injuries, but Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, both long-time friends and associates, were killed.
In a video message shared on social media, Joshua said the loss had been deeply personal, explaining that the relationship went far beyond boxing or business.
“They were my brothers, first and foremost,” he said. “Friends, partners, people I lived with and planned the future with.”
Joshua. Photo Credit: YouTube/X
Joshua added that the tragedy had been difficult to process, describing it as an event that “changed everything” during what was meant to be a period of celebration and planning.
The British-Nigerian boxer said his priority was supporting the families left behind, promising to help fulfil the goals his friends had set for their loved ones.
“My responsibility now is to stand by their families and do right by them,” he said. “That’s for life.”
Anthony Joshua alongside the deceased family. Photo Credit: Joshua/Instagram
He also thanked fans around the world for their messages of support, prayers and tributes, saying they had been received and appreciated during a period of mourning.
“We heard you all, we saw the messages, the tweets, the social media, the YouTubes, the prayers, it’s all been acknowledged.”
In words accompanying his video, Joshua thanked several persons, including doctors at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos, President Bola Tinubu, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote, Senator Daisy Danjuma, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, governors of Lagos and Ogun states, for their support.
A joint funeral for Ghami and Ayodele was held in London earlier this month, attended by family members and close friends.
Anthony Joshua moments after the horrific crash. Photo Credit: Sodiq/Reuters
Joshua has remained largely out of the public eye since returning to the UK following the crash. It is unclear when or if he will return to the boxing ring, with no official update on his professional future.
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Earlier this month, Joshua returned to the gym, posting a video on Snapchat of him hitting the pads and working out, with the message “mental strength therapy”.
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While Joshua has not said whether he will fight again, promoter Eddie Hearn believes he will return to boxing “when the time is right”.
