The boxing world and Nigeria are in mourning following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and long-time team members of international heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua. The fatal crash occurred on Monday, December 29, along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The accident happened around 11 am on Monday, December 29, at Makun, near the Danco Filling Station before the Sagamu Interchange, on the route inward Ibadan. According to an eyewitness account, Anthony Joshua was travelling in a two-vehicle convoy. The boxer was seated in the back of a Lexus SUV, while a Pajero SUV carried his security detail.
Tragically, two passengers died on the spot. Anthony Joshua himself sustained minor injuries in the collision. Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) promptly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations and begin an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Victims Identified as Pillars of Joshua's Team
Joshua's promoter, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed the devastating news with "profound sadness." The victims were identified as Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, both integral figures in the boxer's inner circle and support system for many years.
Sina Ghami was Anthony Joshua's strength and conditioning coach for over a decade. A co-founder of Evolve Gym in London and a qualified sports rehabilitator, Ghami was a cornerstone of Joshua's physical preparation. His expertise extended beyond boxing, having worked with elite athletes in the NFL, NBA, and university football in the United States.
Latif Ayodele, known affectionately as Latz, served as Joshua's personal trainer and was a constant, trusted presence in his daily training routines. A devout Muslim with a deep passion for fitness, Ayodele was pictured with Joshua playing table tennis just hours before the fatal journey, as shared on the boxer's Instagram story.
Joshua Hospitalised and in Stable Condition
Following the accident, Anthony Joshua was taken to a hospital for medical checks and treatment for his injuries. Matchroom Boxing stated that the former unified world heavyweight champion is in a stable condition but would remain under observation as a precaution.
The loss of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele represents a profound personal and professional blow to Anthony Joshua. They were not just staff but close friends who had journeyed with him through the peaks of his celebrated career. The boxing community and fans across Nigeria and the globe have been expressing their condolences following the heartbreaking news.
