Anthony boxing champion Anthony Joshua is recovering after a devastating road accident near Lagos that killed two of his closest associates, long-time strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
The 35-year-old former two-time heavyweight world champion had travelled to Nigeria to celebrate New Year with family, just weeks after his lucrative Netflix victory over Jake Paul in Miami. What should have been a joyful homecoming has turned into an unimaginable tragedy.
Joshua posted footage of himself playing table tennis with Ayodele mere hours before the crash. The video, shared on Instagram, showed the pair in high spirits; a cruel contrast to the events that would unfold shortly after.
Ghami, who stood ringside throughout fight week in Miami and celebrated with Joshua following his triumph over Paul, specialised in sports rehabilitation and injury prevention. His presence had been a constant throughout the boxer’s career resurgence after more than a year away from the ring.
Ayodele, whose Instagram profile featured numerous photographs with the heavyweight star, worked as Joshua’s personal trainer and had become a trusted member of his inner circle.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reached out directly to Joshua and his mother, offering prayers and condolences. “I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care,” Tinubu wrote on social media. “I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.”
The boxing world has rallied behind Joshua. Chris Eubank Jr wrote on X: “Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both… they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.”
Jake Paul, despite his recent defeat to Joshua, expressed his grief: “RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ.”
Former New Zealand rugby international Sonny Bill Williams shared photographs with Joshua and Latif, writing: “Rest easy brother Abdul Latif, may the most high make it easy for your loved ones.”
British bantamweight Shannon Courtenay captured the shock felt across the sport: “RIP Sina and Latz, two good guys. Last week we’re all having fun in Miami and today you’re gone, life really is too short.”
Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Boxing which promotes Joshua, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
Joshua had been scheduled to fight in Saudi Arabia this February, with plans building towards a long-anticipated bout against Tyson Fury later in 2026. Those arrangements now seem trivial compared to the loss he faces.
The emotional toll of losing two friends and trusted colleagues remains impossible to quantify. Whatever decisions Joshua makes about his career in the coming months will be secondary to his grief and recovery.
The boxing community stands united in hoping one of Britain’s most decorated fighters emerges from this ordeal with his health intact, even as he mourns two men who were far more than simply members of his team; they were friends first and foremost.
