By Mark Orgu, News/comments
A former World heavy weight boxing legend, Anthony Joshua was involved in a ghastly road accident on Monday at Makun before Danco Filling Station, along Sagamu express way, Ogun State. According to an eyewitness from Punch Newspaper, Adeniyi Orojo, reported that, the vehicle, a lexus jeep with plate number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that resulted to the death of two Joshua’s team members while he (Joshua) sustained some minor degree of injuries.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has sent his condolences and spoke to the British champion, over the tragic incident, assuring him of all necessary support to get him back to his fit.
“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital.
“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.
“Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.”
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy had said that the president had earlier posted in his X handle, expressing sadness over the accident:
“I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.
“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.
“I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”
However in further details and tributes, the BBC has captured what it described as terrible and shocking, even as tributes pour in: Joshua had only just returned to the ring after more than a year out, beating Jake Paul on Netflix in what was a huge pay day, and he was in Nigeria simply to spend New Year with family when this tragedy struck.
The plan had been for Joshua to fight again in Saudi Arabia in February before eventually moving towards the long-talked-about Tyson Fury bout later in 2026. But right now, those plans feel secondary. Joshua has lost two people close to him, friends first and foremost, including his long-time strength and conditioning coach Ghami, and the emotional impact of that is impossible to measure. Ghami was by his side throughout fight week in Miami, and joined him in the ring after his win over Paul.
Whatever he decides to do next in the twilight of his career almost feels insignificant, with the boxing world united in hoping that one of Britain’s most accomplished fighters comes through this ordeal in good health.
Tributes are pouring in for Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, who died in the crash in Nigeria, from the world of boxing and beyond.
Boxer Chris Eubank Jr posts on X: “Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both… they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.”
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who lost to Anthony Joshua earlier this month, posts: “RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif / Latz’ Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ.”
Former New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams posts pictures with Joshua and Latif, adding: “Rest easy brother Abdul Latif, may the most high make it easy for your loved ones.”
British bantamweight Shannon Courtenay says: “RIP Sina and Latz, two good guys. Last week we’re all having fun in Miami and today you’re gone, life really is too short. May the Lord look over their loved ones during this awful time.”
Eddie Hearn, chairman of Anthony Joshua’s promoter company Matchroom, has paid tribute to Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.”With the heaviest of hearts,” he posted on Instagram.
“Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone. We can now confirm that the two people killed in the car crash are Anthony Joshua’s teammates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Just hours before the crash, Joshua posted an Instagram story of him and Latif Ayodele – known as Latz, playing table tennis. Latif, a personal trainer, had several photos of himself with Joshua on his Instagram. Ghami specialised in sports rehabilitation and injury prevention, according to his social media. He posted a story from Lagos before the crash and also had photos with Joshua on his page.
Who were the victims?
It’s now been confirmed that the two men who died were Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Both worked closely with Anthony Joshua, and they were all good friends. Sina Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than 10 years.He also co-founded Evolve Gym in London, which says on its website that Ghami was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator who specialises in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise. He had worked with athletes in the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA) and Michigan State University football team.
Latif “Latz” Ayodele
Latif “Latz” Ayodele was Joshua’s personal trainer.
His passion for the gym is clear on his social media pages, as is his dedication to Islam.
“Finding Islam in 2012 has been my biggest blessing,” he wrote in a pinned post from 2020.
Promoter’s statement in full
Here is the full statement from Matchroom Boxing, Anthony Joshua’s promoter:
Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today.
With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.
Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.
No further comment will be made at this time.
Two members of Joshua’s team confirmed to have died
The two men who died in the crash were Anthony Joshua’s friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, his promoter Matchroom Boxing has confirmed.
In a statement, Matchroom Boxing said Joshua was taken to hospital for “checks and treatment” and is in a “stable condition and will remain there for observation”.
Joshua-Fury fight had been mooted for 2026
A much-anticipated fight between Anthony Joshua and fellow Briton Tyson Fury had been suggested for 2026.
The pair have never met in a professional fight, despite years of hype and negotiations, but there had been renewed optimism the heavyweight super-fight could happen towards the end of next year.
Joshua called out Fury after his win over Jake Paul earlier this month.
“Come and fight one of the ‘realest’ fighters out there, step in there with me next if you’re a really bad boy,” Joshua told his rival.Fury has not fought since his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024″
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