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By Oscar Okhifo
Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has opened up on the emotional impact of losing two of his closest friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, who were killed in a car crash in Nigeria.
Joshua, who was also in the vehicle, survived with minor injuries and has since paid tribute to the friends he described as his “brothers.”
The crash occurred while Joshua was visiting his family in Nigeria, just weeks after his December victory over Jake Paul.
In a heartfelt social media video, he described the ordeal as a deeply “traumatic time” and spoke openly about the profound loss he, and many others close to Ghami and Ayodele, are now facing.
“We went back home, went to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside down,” Joshua said.
“That was such an unforeseen circumstance, out of all our control. Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends, and myself lose two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about and have been major players in all of our lives.”
He emphasized the bond he shared with Ghami and Ayodele, describing them as his “left and right… very important team members, very important friends, and two of my brothers.”
The ace boxer reflected on the support they provided him, saying, “I’m the big guy but I was walking with giants that kept me protected, kept me shielded.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn suggested that Joshua may need time away from boxing to process the tragedy before deciding on his future in the sport.
Fellow heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley also noted that Joshua will need time to gather himself and consider his next steps.
Despite the grief, Joshua said he intends to honor his friends’ memories and support their families.
“My goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals. It’s not just physical strength that will get me through. It’s going to take a lot of strength from a higher power. I’m going to do what’s right by them, I’m going to do what’s right by their family.”
He also expressed his appreciation for the global outpouring of support.
“I still can’t get my head around the reality of losing my two dear friends and how loving they were. We grew up together, and I’ve known them as my friends, but over the years they built such strong characters. I’m sure their parents are incredibly proud of them, because I am.
” Thank you for all the love from around the world. To anyone out there who’s lost a son or a brother, one love to you.” he said.