BREAKING: Anthony Joshua Fights Back Tears After Opening Up On Accident That Killed Two Friends, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele And Sina Ghami [VIDEO]
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has fought back tears while speaking publicly for the first time about the tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close associates.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, and his strength coach, Sina Ghami, died on December 29 after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a stationary truck on a highway in Lagos.
The boxer sustained minor injuries in the accident and was hospitalised but was discharged two days later.
‘A tragic, traumatic time’
In an emotional video message shared on his YouTube channel on Thursday, the 36-year-old thanked fans across the world for their support during what he described as a “tragic, traumatic time.”
“The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025,” Joshua said.
“We went home to see our families, and everything just flipped on its head. That was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control.”
He said the loss of Ayodele and Ghami had left a deep void in his life.
“We lost two great men. People we really cared about, major players in all of our lives. It’s tough. It’s really tough,” he added.
‘I was walking with giants’
Joshua described the duo as more than just members of his team.
“They were my brothers, my friends first and foremost. Then we became business partners, hustlers, generals — everything. We even lived together,” he said.
“I know people think I’m the big guy, but I was walking with giants. Protected.”
The boxer said he was choosing not to publicly display all his emotions but acknowledged the pain of the loss.
Support from fans
Joshua expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans worldwide, noting that the messages of condolence had been received and appreciated by the families of the deceased.
“We saw the messages, the tweets, the social media posts, the prayers. It’s all been acknowledged,” he said.
He also pledged to stand by the families of Ayodele and Ghami.
“We know what we’re going to do. Mumma Latz, Mumma Sina, Pappa Latz, Pappa Sina — one love,” he said.
Watch the moment below:
The bodies of Ayodele and Ghami were later flown to the United Kingdom, where a joint funeral service was held at a mosque in London on January 4. Joshua attended alongside family members, friends and figures from the boxing world.
Earlier this month, Joshua returned to the gym, sharing clips on Snapchat showing him training, hitting pads and riding a stationary bike.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, said the boxer would take time to heal before making any decision about his career.
“He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“I do believe he will want to return to boxing, but that decision will come when the time is right.”
