In a deeply emotional first public appearance since a tragic incident, heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has paid heartfelt tribute to two close friends who were killed in a car crash in Nigeria last month.
Joshua's First Video Statement Since the Tragedy
The two-time world heavyweight champion fought back tears as he addressed viewers on his official YouTube channel, thanking them for their support during what he described as a "tragic, traumatic time". The video marks Joshua's first public comments since the fatal accident on 29 December that claimed the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele.
The Miami Victory and Subsequent Tragedy
The devastating loss comes just weeks after Joshua's professional triumph in Miami, where he stopped YouTube personality turned boxer Jake Paul to maintain his trajectory toward a potential 2026 showdown with longtime rival Tyson Fury. The victory, achieved just ten days before the fatal crash, had positioned Joshua strongly within the boxing world before the tragedy sparked unexpected retirement rumours.
Reflecting on the abrupt change in circumstances, Joshua revealed: "The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami, we had so many plans to wrap up 2025 and we were on a mission. We went back home, went to see our families and everything just got flipped upside on its head."
Walking with Giants: Joshua's Personal Tribute
In his emotional address, Joshua described his lost friends as "brothers" and "lieutenants" who provided crucial support throughout his career. The Watford-born boxer offered a poignant metaphor for their relationship, stating that being in their company felt like "walking with giants" who had protected and shielded him during his professional journey.
"I've lost people before, but I don't think I've lost people like that, my left and my right," Joshua confessed, visibly emotional as he spoke about the profound impact of their loss.
A Promise to Honour Their Memory
Rather than focusing on boxing legacy, Joshua emphasised his commitment to practical action in memory of his friends. He vowed to continue supporting their families and fulfilling their aspirations, stating firmly: "I know what I have got to do. I'm going to do what is right by them, do what is right by their family and it is about what is important."
The heavyweight champion also shared a philosophical perspective on mortality, adding: "One day my time will come and I'm not scared either at all. It's actually comforting knowing that I've got two brothers on the other side."
The boxing community continues to offer support to Joshua as he navigates this personal tragedy while maintaining his professional trajectory in the sport.
