Boxing champion Anthony Joshua is in stable condition following a road traffic accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two close friends and key members of his team.
In a statement released by his management and promoter, Matchroom Boxing, it confirmed with “profound sadness” that Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, also known as Kevin ‘Lateef’ or ‘Latz’, died in the crash on December 29.
Ghami, a renowned strength and conditioning coach who co-founded Evolve Gym in London, worked with Joshua for over a decade, while Ayodele served as his personal trainer and was involved in humanitarian efforts in Nigeria.
The accident reportedly occurred around 11 a.m. when the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and his team collided with a stationary truck, with preliminary reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps citing excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, although Ogun State police later suggested a possible tire burst.
Joshua, who was seated in the rear, sustained injuries but remained conscious and was evacuated to a specialist facility in Lagos, where authorities said no emergency intervention was required.
Tributes followed from across the boxing world, including from Jake Paul, who said: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted,” while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also personally called the boxer to offer condolences.