British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has been released from hospital in Nigeria after being involved in a devastating road accident that resulted in the deaths of two of his long-term friends.
Tragedy on a Lagos Road
The incident occurred on Monday on a major road near Lagos, Nigeria. The vehicle carrying Anthony Joshua, along with his friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, collided with a stationary truck. Authorities confirmed that both Ghami and Ayodele sadly lost their lives in the crash.
Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, sustained injuries but was deemed clinically fit to be discharged on Wednesday. The news was confirmed by Lagos state commissioner for information Gbenga Omotoso in a joint statement with Ogun state.
Final Respects and a Boxing Family in Mourning
The official statement, posted on X, detailed that Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay their final respects as his friends were prepared for repatriation. Sina Ghami served as Joshua's strength and conditioning coach, while Latif Ayodele was a trainer, making their loss profoundly personal for the 36-year-old boxer.
Joshua was in Nigeria on holiday following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, who has worked with Joshua since he turned professional after winning Olympic gold in 2012, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
"Rest in peace Latz and Sina," Hearn wrote. "Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time."
Condolences from the Boxing World
The tragic news has prompted an outpouring of support from across the global boxing community. Among those offering condolences are:
- Retired cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew
- Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk
- British former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury
- Former world champion Wladimir Klitschko
The focus now turns to recovery and mourning, as the boxing world rallies around Joshua following this profound personal tragedy.
