Two of Anthony Joshua’s closest friends and longtime team members, strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele, tragically lost their lives in a road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the boxing champion they helped build.
By Nij Martin
In the world of professional boxing, champions are never built alone. Behind every victory, every comeback, and every moment of glory stands a team of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. For Anthony Joshua, two such men were Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele—friends, confidants, and integral members of his inner circle who tragically lost their lives on Monday in a devastating crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The boxing world was shaken when Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promoter, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement that captured the profound sense of loss felt by all who knew them: “With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.”
These weren’t just employees or casual acquaintances. They were brothers-in-arms who had walked alongside Joshua through the highs and lows of his extraordinary career, shaping not just his physical prowess but his mental fortitude as well.
Sina Ghami: The Architect of Strength
For more than a decade, Sina Ghami served as Anthony Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, a role that extended far beyond counting reps or designing workout routines. Ghami was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator who specialized in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise, bringing a scientific precision to Joshua’s training that helped the heavyweight champion compete at the highest levels.
But Ghami’s influence stretched well beyond Joshua’s corner. He co-founded Evolve Gym in London, creating a space where athletes could push their limits and transform their bodies. His expertise was sought after across multiple sports, including work with athletes from the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and the Michigan State University football team.
Those who knew Ghami describe a man whose passion for sports rehabilitation and injury prevention was matched only by his dedication to the athletes he served. His social media posts from Lagos shortly before the crash showed a man engaged and present, sharing moments from his journey alongside the champion he had helped mold.
Latif “Latz” Ayodele: The Personal Touch
Where Ghami brought scientific rigor, Latif Ayodele—known to everyone as Latz—brought personal devotion. As Joshua’s personal trainer, Latz was more than someone who held mitts or called out combinations. His social media presence revealed a man deeply committed to both his craft and his faith, regularly posting about fitness and Islam with equal passion.
Just hours before the accident, Joshua had shared an Instagram story showing him playing table tennis with Latz—a glimpse of the friendship that existed beyond the gym. These were the moments that defined their relationship: not just trainer and athlete, but friends who shared laughter, competition, and mutual respect.
Latz’s Instagram page was filled with photos alongside Joshua, documenting not just training sessions but the countless hours spent together building trust, pushing limits, and celebrating victories. In the brutal world of heavyweight boxing, where isolation can be as dangerous as any opponent, having someone like Latz in your corner meant having someone who understood you completely.
The Final Journey
The accident occurred around 11 am on Monday near Makun, just before the Sagamu Interchange. Joshua’s two-vehicle convoy—a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV carrying his security detail—was traveling when tragedy struck. According to eyewitnesses, the crash resulted from excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, with the Lexus losing control before colliding with a stationary truck.
One eyewitness who participated in the rescue described the scene: “Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed.” Both Ghami and Ayodele died at the scene, while Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for observation.
The Federal Road Safety Corps arrived shortly after to commence rescue and investigation efforts, while the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu. Joshua remains in stable condition under medical observation, physically recovering from injuries that pale in comparison to the emotional trauma of losing two of his closest friends.
A Legacy Beyond the Ring
As tributes flood social media and messages of condolence pour in from fans and public figures worldwide, the boxing community is reminded of a fundamental truth: the bonds forged in pursuit of greatness often transcend the sport itself. Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele weren’t just helping Anthony Joshua become a better boxer—they were helping him become the man he needed to be to carry the weight of championship belts and global fame.
In the coming days and weeks, Joshua will face perhaps his toughest fight yet: moving forward without two men who had been constants in his journey. But in their memory, and in the legacy they built together, Sina and Latz will remain forever part of the champion they helped create.
A despicable headline “…while Joshua Lived”???? Would the writer have been happier if AJ had also lost his life? . Is this meant to solicit guilt on AJ? Shame on you.
Yeaahhh, headline trying way hard to stir drama….writer probably aiming for a plot twist no one asked for. lol. Praying for AJ