Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time after the deaths of two close friends and team members, paying an emotional tribute to Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele following a fatal car crash in Nigeria.
Joshua was travelling in the vehicle with Ghami and Ayodele when the collision occurred. Both men died at the scene, while the former heavyweight world champion sustained minor injuries.
The incident happened while Joshua was in Nigeria visiting family, weeks after his December victory over Jake Paul. Speaking in a social media video, Joshua described the aftermath as a “traumatic time” and reflected on the sudden loss of two people central to his life.
‘Everything just got flipped upside on its head’
“We went back home, went to see our families and everything just got flipped upside on its head,” Joshua said. “That was such an unforeseen circumstance, that was out of all our control.
“Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself lose two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about and have been major players in all of our lives.”
Joshua acknowledged the difficulty of speaking publicly, explaining why he chose to keep parts of his grief private.
“It’s tough. It’s really tough. I’m not going to sit here and show all of my emotions. I know in today’s day and age it’s easy to micro-analyse people and pass judgement.
“I know what I feel and that’s what matters to me. I know what my duty is. They’re my brothers, they’re my friends, first and foremost.”
‘My left and my right’
Joshua spoke about the unique role Ghami and Ayodele played in his life, both personally and professionally.
“I’ve lost people before. But I don’t think I’ve lost people like that. My left and my right… They were very important team members, very important friends and two of my brothers.
“I’m the big guy but I was walking with giants that kept me protected, kept me shielded.”
The boxing world has rallied around Joshua in the days since the crash, with fighters, promoters and fans sending messages of support and condolence.
Commitment beyond boxing
While questions remain over Joshua’s boxing future as he recovers physically and emotionally, he made clear that his immediate focus lies elsewhere.
“My goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals,” he said.
“It’s not just physical strength that will get me through. It’s going to take a lot of strength from a higher power. So I’m definitely going to say my prayers and help them fulfil their dreams for their families – not only me there’s a whole team of us.
“I’m going to do what’s right by them, I’m going to do what’s right by their family.”
Joshua did not signal any intention to retire, but he also did not rush to frame the moment in sporting terms.
‘The mission must go on’
“In my corner of the world I know what I’m going to be doing,” Joshua said. “What can I say? One day my time will come… But the mission must go on. I understand my duty.
“It isn’t about legacy, it’s just doing what’s right and I know I’m going to do what’s right for them. I know what I’ve got to do.”
He closed by thanking those who have paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, admitting the scale of the response had taken him by surprise.
“I still can’t get my head around, just my two friends, just how popular [they are]. We just grew up together. I’ve known them as my friends but they built such strong characters over the years.
“I’m sure their parents are 100 per cent are proud of them because I am.
“Thank you for the love worldwide. For anyone out there that’s lost a son, a brother, one love to you.”
