UPDATE: Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from the hospital following a tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The accident occurred on July 10, 2023, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Nigeria.
Joshua, who suffered only minor injuries, was involved in the collision while traveling in a Lexus SUV. His friends, part of his close-knit team, were killed instantly when their vehicle struck a stationary truck. The boxing community is reeling from the loss, and Joshua’s mother, Yeta Odusanya, rushed to his side after the incident.
Earlier today, Joshua and his mother paid their final respects at a funeral home in Lagos, where the bodies of Ayodele and Ghami are being prepared for repatriation to the UK. Sources from the regional governments of Lagos and Ogun confirmed Joshua’s clinical fitness to recuperate at home after his discharge.
“Anthony was deemed clinically fit to recuperate from home,” officials stated. “He is heavy-hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends.”
The funeral service is set for later this evening, and both state governors expressed gratitude for the public’s concern during this difficult time. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos have extended their condolences to Joshua and the families of the victims.
Latif Ayodele, known affectionately as “Latz,” served as Joshua’s personal trainer and was a trusted friend since Joshua’s first world title victory in 2016. Just hours before the fatal crash, Ayodele shared a joyful video with Joshua, highlighting their strong bond and the close relationships within Joshua’s team.
Meanwhile, Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for over a decade, was a co-founder of Evolve Gym in London. Ghami was integral to Joshua’s career, including the pivotal fight against Wladimir Klitschko in 2017. His last social media post expressed gratitude to the medical staff at Lagoon Hospital for their care of Joshua after the crash.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his sorrow, stating, “Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty will be deeply missed. Praying for strength for all their family, friends, and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”
This tragic incident underscores the profound impact of Ayodele and Ghami on Joshua’s life and career. As the boxing world mourns, Joshua is left to grapple with the emotional toll of losing two cherished friends in such a sudden manner.
As funeral arrangements proceed, fans and supporters are encouraged to share their condolences and memories of Ayodele and Ghami, honoring their legacy within the boxing community.
