Two close friends and members of Anthony Joshua’s team were killed in a road traffic accident in Nigeria in which the former heavyweight champion was injured but left in a stable condition.
Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele died after the vehicle they were travelling in with Joshua and two others collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway, according to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps. The crash occurred at around midday local time.
Joshua, 36, was conscious following the accident and did not require emergency medical treatment, Ogun state government officials said. He was taken to hospital for checks and remains under observation.
Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promoter, confirmed the deaths of Ghami and Ayodele in a statement. “With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away,” it read. “Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition.
“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.”
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom’s chairman, added: “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
Ghami was Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach and had worked with him for more than a decade. He played a central role in preparing Joshua for some of the biggest fights of his career, including his world title victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 and this month’s win over Jake Paul in Miami. Ghami had also worked with athletes including NFL star Le’Veon Bell and NBA forward Draymond Green.
Ayodele, known as Latz, was a long-time friend and personal trainer to Joshua. Just hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video on social media showing the pair playing table tennis together.
A spokesperson for Joshua described both men as “integral” to his team, adding that news of their deaths was “truly shocking and devastating”.
Boxing analyst Steve Bunce said Ghami and Ayodele were among Joshua’s closest confidants. “They are with him all the time,” Bunce told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They are friends first and foremost. Sina and Latz are massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine.”
Tributes were paid across the boxing world. Chris Eubank Jr wrote that Ghami and Ayodele were “genuinely good men”, while Jake Paul said, “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps said five adult men were involved in the crash. Joshua and the driver were rescued by the boxer’s security team. Preliminary findings suggested the vehicle may have been travelling above the speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before striking the stationary truck.
Joshua had travelled to Nigeria after stopping Paul in the sixth round of their bout earlier this month and was visiting family over the New Year period. Plans for his next fight, expected to be in Saudi Arabia in February, are now secondary as the boxer and his team come to terms with the loss of two men who were central to both his professional career and personal life.
