Tributes have poured in from across the boxing world following the deaths of two close friends and team members of former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a car crash in Nigeria.
Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif” Ayodele were killed on Monday when the vehicle they were travelling in crashed along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway near Makun in Ogun State. Joshua, who was also in the car, survived the accident and remains in hospital in Lagos, where his management team said he is in a stable condition.
Ayodele, popularly known as Latz, served as Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach. Both men had worked with the 36-year-old boxer since the early stages of his professional career.
Former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko also paid tribute, writing on X: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about AJ and his close-knit group of friends. Having had the pleasure of engaging in an unforgettable battle with AJ, I’ve always regarded him as a true class act who commands my utmost respect. My heart goes out to him, and I wish him and his loved ones all the best during this difficult time.”
Former rival Tyson Fury shared a tribute on Instagram, writing: “This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven.”
Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight champion, described the incident as “an unbelievable loss”, calling Ghami and Ayodele “two incredible people who were not only a part of AJ’s team, but also friends!” He added that he sent his “sincere condolences to their families, loved ones and everyone who knew them” and told Joshua: “Stay strong, champion.”
Jake Paul also offered his condolences, posting: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Joshua is being treated at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, confirmed he visited the boxer and his mother. “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 said. “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.”
The Ogun State government said Joshua did not require emergency medical intervention at the crash scene, although officials noted he had “narrowly escaped death”.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps said preliminary findings suggested the Lexus vehicle “was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit” before it lost control during “an overtaking manoeuvre” and struck a stationary truck.
Police commander Babatunde Akinbiyi added that early investigations indicated the car “experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed” while travelling from Lagos to Sagamu, leading to the fatal crash.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
About the Author
