In a deeply emotional and private moment that has since gone viral, British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua recounted the tragic deaths of his two close friends from a hospital bed in Lagos. The conversation took place during a video call with fellow Nigerian combat sports star, UFC fighter Kamaru Usman.
A Tragic Accident on Nigerian Roads
The incident that led to this heartbreaking conversation occurred on December 29, 2025. Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. While Joshua survived the crash, two invaluable members of his team, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, lost their lives.
Ayodele served as Joshua's personal trainer, and Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach. Their deaths represent a profound personal and professional loss for the two-time heavyweight world champion.
The Viral Video: Grief from a Hospital Bed
The leaked video shows a visibly grief-stricken Anthony Joshua speaking to Kamaru Usman while still receiving care in a Lagos hospital. Joshua described the seating positions of his friends in the vehicle, noting one was in the front passenger seat and the other directly behind him.
“Two of my close friends passed away in the accident. One was in the front and one was behind him, on the right side. They both passed away,” Joshua said, his voice heavy with emotion. He added, “It still hasn’t sunk in. It still hasn’t hit me yet. Life is short man, life is short.”
Usman, expressing relief for Joshua's survival, responded, “I am sorry about that man. Hey, you scared the world, I’ll tell you that right now, you scared the world. It’s crazy.”
Fallout and Funeral Rites
The video's leak sparked significant controversy online, with many fans criticising Kamaru Usman for the breach of privacy. Usman later took full responsibility, explaining in a statement that the recording happened inadvertently during preparations for his show, 'The AKO Show'. He expressed deep regret for not ensuring the private conversation remained private.
After his discharge, Joshua accompanied the bodies of his friends back to the United Kingdom. Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami were laid to rest on January 4, 2026. Their funeral service was held at the London Central Mosque, followed by burial at the Hendon Cemetery in North London.
In a touching tribute to Ayodele, supporters have raised approximately $270,000 to complete a project he started: building mosques and boreholes in Nigeria.
Speculation on Joshua's Future
The tragedy has led to speculation about Anthony Joshua's future in boxing. His uncle, Adedamola Joshua, hinted that the champion might consider retirement following the devastating loss of his friends and team members. However, no official announcement has been made by Joshua or his management regarding his professional career.
This event highlights the personal toll of sudden tragedy and the fragile nature of life, even for the world's most celebrated athletes.
