In a heart-wrenching video posted on his Instagram page, former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has spoken about the traumatic experience of losing two of his closest friends in a recent road accident in Nigeria. The accident, which occurred on December 29 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, claimed the lives of Kevin Latif Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach.
Joshua, who was also in the vehicle that crashed into a stationary truck, miraculously survived with minor injuries. However, the emotional toll of the accident is still evident, as he struggled to hold back tears while talking about the loss of his friends.
In the video, Joshua expressed his gratitude to people around the world for their well wishes and support following the accident. He then went on to describe the trip to Nigeria with Latif and Ghami, which started with excitement but ended in tragedy. “We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission… We went back home, went to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside on its head,” Joshua said.
Joshua’s emotional tribute to his late friends was a testament to the strong bond they shared. He described Latif and Ghami as his “lieutenants, general” and “protectors,” and revealed that they were not only his colleagues but also his brothers and friends. “They’re my brothers, they’re my friends first and foremost. We became housemates, we were living together,” Joshua said.
The 36-year-old boxer also spoke about the comfort he finds in knowing that his friends are on the “other side.” “I’m not scared of death because I’ve got two brothers on the other side,” Joshua said. “One day my time will come, and I’m not scared either at all. It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side.”
Joshua has promised to continue carrying the legacies of his friends and to support their families. “The mission must go on… I understand my duty. I’m gonna do what’s right by them. I’m gonna do what’s right by their family,” he said.
The video has sparked an outpouring of support and condolences from fans and fellow athletes around the world. Joshua’s courage and resilience in the face of tragedy are an inspiration to many, and his determination to honor the memories of his friends is a testament to the strong bonds they shared.
As the boxing world continues to mourn the loss of Latif and Ghami, Joshua’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of cherishing the time we have with loved ones and living life to the fullest. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony Joshua and the families of Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami during this difficult time.
