The boxing world is rallying around former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua after he was involved in a serious road accident in Nigeria that killed two of his closest friends and long-time team members.
Tragedy on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The collision occurred on the morning of Monday, 14th October, on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway near Makun. Joshua's friends, personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami, both died in the crash. Joshua himself was injured and was taken to the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where his management confirmed he is in a stable condition.
Preliminary findings from Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggest the Lexus car Joshua was travelling in was suspected of exceeding the speed limit. The vehicle reportedly lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before colliding with a stationary truck. Police commander Babatunde Akinbiyi added that early investigations indicated the car "experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed".
Boxing World Unites in Grief and Support
Rival heavyweights and the wider sporting community have been quick to offer their condolences. Tyson Fury, who was expected to face Joshua in a future bout, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing: "This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven."
Unified champion Oleksandr Usyk described the loss as "unbelievable" and called the two men "incredible people who were not only a part of AJ’s team, but also friends!" He sent his condolences to their families and offered words of support to Joshua, writing: "stay strong, champion".
Even recent opponent Jake Paul, who lost to Joshua in a fight watched by millions just two weeks ago, expressed his sympathy. "Life is much more important than boxing," Paul wrote, stating he was praying for those lost and for Joshua's recovery.
A Profound Personal and Professional Loss
The tragedy represents a deep personal blow for Joshua, 36, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents. He had worked with Ayodele (known as Latz) and Ghami since the very beginning of his professional career. The bond was evident just hours before the accident, when Joshua and Ayodele posted playful footage of themselves playing table tennis together on Instagram.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu revealed he had spoken directly to Joshua and his mother, who is at his bedside. Tinubu said he conveyed his condolences for the loss of his "two close associates" and wished the boxer a full recovery. Officials from Ogun state, where the crash happened, stated Joshua had "narrowly escaped death" and did not require emergency intervention at the scene, despite unverified footage appearing to show him in pain.
The boxing community now waits for further news on Joshua's condition, as he recovers from both physical injuries and the immense grief of losing two pillars of his team and life.
