Anthony Joshua Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Friends Following Tragic Car Crash

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has shared a heartfelt tribute to his close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, who tragically died in a road accident in Nigeria.

On January 4, 2026, Joshua broke his social media silence with his first post since the incident, sharing a photograph of himself seated alongside his mother and relatives of the deceased. The image, captioned "My Brother’s Keeper ❤️🕊️❤️," depicts a somber moment of solidarity and support for the bereaved families.

The accident occurred on December 29, 2025, when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua, Ghami, Ayodele, and others collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. Ghami, Joshua's longtime strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer, were pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized before being discharged on New Year's Eve.

Following his release, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay their final respects as the bodies were prepared for repatriation to the UK. The remains arrived in London, where funeral services were held on January 4 at the London Central Mosque.

Ghami and Ayodele were integral to Joshua's career and personal life, having supported him through numerous high-profile fights, including his recent victory over Jake Paul. Tributes from the boxing community, including promoter Eddie Hearn and opponents like Jake Paul, have highlighted their dedication, kindness, and loyalty.

Joshua, who was holidaying in Nigeria with family after his December win, has returned to the UK to continue recovery amid profound grief. The incident serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility, with the boxing world rallying in support of the affected families.