Anthony Joshua has told Nigeria’s president Bola Ahmed Tinubu he is receiving ‘the best possible care’ in the aftermath of the fatal car crash that killed his two friends on Monday.
The 36-year-old boxer was sat in the back of a Lexus Jeep when it collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the town of Makun in southwestern Nigeria.
Two of Joshua’s close inner circle, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, were killed in the accident, with the trio enjoying a break together just nine days after the Brit’s Miami showdown with Jake Paul.
Only hours before the crash, the veteran British heavyweight had shared a video with his followers on social media that showed him playing table tennis with personal trainer Ayodele, who was affectionately known as ‘Latz’ to close friends.
A wincing Joshua was clearly in some discomfort as he was helped out of the mangled Lexus in which he was a passenger. Subsequent reports suggested he was ‘stable’ and had only suffered minor injuries.
However, there are fears Joshua’s condition may be worse than first thought and it remains to be seen when the 2012 Olympic gold medallist will be able to leave Lagos’ Duchess International Hospital.
Taking to X on Monday night, Tinubu – who has served as Nigeria’s president since 2023 – lifted the lid on his brief chats with Joshua and the champion boxer’s mother, Yeta Odusanya, who has rushed to be at her son’s bedside.
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‘I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident,’ Tinubu told his followers.
‘I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him.
‘AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.
‘I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.’
Tinubu said Ghami and Ayodele’s loved ones were in his prayers and thoughts following their tragic and untimely deaths.
‘Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention,’ he added.
‘May God strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed.’
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According to Daily Mail Sport, a member of Joshua’s entourage suggested the boxer may have suffered rib and knee injuries in the crash.
In a statement on Monday, though, Joshua’s long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, reassured fans that the former two-time heavyweight world champion was ‘in a stable condition’ in hospital.
‘Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today,’ the statement read.
‘With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
Who were Anthony Joshua’s friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami?
Throughout his time in boxing, Anthony Joshua has kept a close-knit circle of friends and associates around him, plenty of those working silently behind the scenes during his ascent to the summit of the sport.
Both Ghami and Ayodele were part of that group, considered good friends having worked closely with him for years.
Who is Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele?
‘Latz’ is a long-time friend of Joshua’s and has been part of the AJ team going all the way back to his maiden world title victory over Charles Martin in 2016.
Ayodele was Joshua’s personal trainer and a dedicated Muslim having converted to Isam in 2012.
His Instagram feed is littered with images and videos of him alongside Joshua in the gym and relaxing away from it.
Just hours before the crash, he shared a video on Instagram of him and Joshua smiling and laughing over a game of table tennis.
Latif worked with a number of other prominent sports men and women with New Zealand rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams among those paying tribute.
According to his Facebook profile, he attended St Joan of Arc Catholic School in Rickmansworth, a few miles from Joshua’s hometown of Watford.
Who is Sina Ghami?
Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, a role he held for more than a decade.
He was also the co-founder of Evolve Gym in London. Their website states Ghami was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator who specialises in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise.
Ghami was at Joshua’s side throughout his career, including his crowning moment against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in 2017.
His last Instagram story appeared to be a shot of Joshua’s motorcade through Lagos.
‘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.’
Jake Paul, who Joshua defeated via a sixth-round knockout less than a fortnight ago, was among those to pass on his condolences to the families of both Ghami and Ayodele.
‘Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident,’ the YouTuber-turned-boxer wrote on XI.
‘RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif / Latz” Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ.’
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