In a deeply emotional revelation that has resonated across the boxing world and beyond, British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has opened up about the profound grief following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members.
The incident, which occurred on December 29, 2025, has left the 36-year-old fighter reflecting on mortality, friendship, and his unwavering commitment to his sport.
Joshua’s candid video statement, shared on his YouTube channel exactly one month after the crash, showcases a vulnerable side of the boxing icon, drawing widespread sympathy and support from fans globally.
The Horrific Collision on Lagos-Ibadan Highway
The accident unfolded on the bustling Lagos-Ibadan Highway near Lagos, Nigeria, where Joshua and his companions were traveling in a black Lexus SUV.
According to reports, the vehicle collided with a stationary truck, resulting in a fatal impact that killed Sina Ghami, Joshua’s rehabilitation coach and recovery therapist, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, his personal trainer and strength coach.
Joshua, who was seated in the back as a passenger, miraculously escaped with only minor injuries, though the emotional scars run far deeper.
The trio had journeyed to Nigeria at the end of 2025 for a holiday to visit family, capping off a successful year that included Joshua’s high-profile victory over Jake Paul in Miami. What was meant to be a celebratory wrap-up to the year turned into unimaginable tragedy.
Authorities have charged the driver with reckless driving, highlighting the perilous conditions on one of Nigeria’s major roadways, where stationary vehicles and high-speed traffic often pose significant risks.
Joshua, a British-Nigerian with strong ties to his ancestral homeland, has long spoken of his affection for the country, making the location of the loss even more poignant.
Childhood Bonds and Professional Pillars
Ghami and Ayodele were not just colleagues in Joshua’s inner circle; they were lifelong friends who had known him since childhood in South Ruislip, north-west London.
Growing up in the same community, their paths intertwined early, evolving into professional roles that were instrumental in Joshua’s rise to boxing stardom.
Ayodele, known for his rigorous training regimens, had been pivotal in shaping Joshua’s physical prowess, while Ghami specialized in recovery techniques that kept the fighter in peak condition through grueling matches.
In his video, Joshua fought back tears as he described the irreplaceable void left by their passing.
“Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself lose like two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about,” he shared, his voice cracking with emotion.
He emphasized their significance, calling them “major players in all of our lives, major, major players in all of our lives—it’s tough, it’s really tough.”
The fighter revealed that he had been living with the duo, underscoring the brotherly bond that extended beyond the gym.
“They’re my brothers, they’re my friends first and foremost,” he added, painting a picture of a support system that was as personal as it was professional.
The South Ruislip community, where the three men forged their unbreakable ties, has been reeling from the news.
Friends and locals have paid heartfelt tributes, remembering Ghami and Ayodele as dedicated individuals who embodied loyalty and ambition.
Their deaths have sparked an outpouring of condolences, with memorials highlighting their contributions not only to Joshua’s career but to the broader fitness and boxing scenes in London.
Profound Reflections on Mortality and Resilience
The brush with death has prompted Joshua to confront his own mortality in a raw and unflinching manner.
In the video, he spoke philosophically about the inevitability of life’s end, finding a sliver of solace amid the sorrow.
“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared either at all,” he stated. “It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side.” This perspective reveals a matured outlook, shaped by previous losses but intensified by the closeness of this tragedy.
“I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that, my left and my right,” he confessed, referring to Ghami and Ayodele as his indispensable allies.
Joshua’s time in Nigeria post-accident included attending to funeral arrangements and supporting the bereaved families, before he returned to Britain on January 3, 2026.
The past month has been one of mourning and introspection, with the fighter expressing gratitude for the global wave of support that has helped him navigate the trauma.
His message also serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who seem invincible in the ring.
Honoring Their Legacy Through Continued Boxing Pursuit
Despite the heartache, Joshua has made it clear that retirement is not on the horizon. Instead, he views his ongoing career as a tribute to his fallen friends, channeling their memory into his drive for success.
“We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission,” he explained, recounting how the holiday trip derailed their ambitions.
“We went back home, went to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside down on its head.” Yet, in the face of adversity, he affirmed his resolve: “The mission must go on… I understand my duty.”
This determination aligns with Joshua’s storied career, marked by two-time heavyweight championships and iconic bouts against the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Andy Ruiz Jr.
His recent win against Jake Paul had positioned him for potential mega-fights in 2026, and now, with Ghami and Ayodele’s spirits guiding him, Joshua appears more motivated than ever.
Boxing experts note that such personal losses can either break an athlete or fuel a remarkable comeback, and Joshua’s history of resilience suggests the latter.
As the boxing community rallies around him, Joshua’s story transcends sports, touching on universal themes of loss, friendship, and perseverance.
His emotional openness not only humanizes a global superstar but also inspires others facing grief, proving that even in the darkest moments, the fight continues.
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