Promoter Eddie Hearn has officially identified the two individuals who lost their lives in the tragic road accident involving British-Nigerian heavyweight star Anthony Joshua on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Taking to his official Instagram account on Tuesday, the Matchroom Boxing CEO confirmed the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both of whom served as integral members of the boxer’s inner circle for many years.
The boxing world remains in mourning as details emerge regarding the deep personal and professional bonds between the former champion and the deceased.
“With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away,” Hearn wrote in a somber tribute. Latif Ayodele, widely known among friends as “Latz,” maintained a relationship with Joshua that predated his professional boxing career, while Sina Ghami served as the athlete’s dedicated strength and conditioning coach. Their sudden passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from the global sports community, with many highlighting the pivotal roles both men played in Joshua’s historic career achievements.
The fatal crash occurred on Monday morning when the Lexus SUV carrying the group struck a stationary vehicle on a busy section of the highway in Ogun State. While the impact claimed the lives of Ghami and Ayodele at the scene, Anthony Joshua managed to survive the high-speed collision with only minor physical injuries. Emergency responders transported the 36-year-old boxer to a medical facility for immediate assessment and observation.
Medical professionals have since confirmed that Joshua is in stable condition and does not face any life-threatening complications. Despite his physical recovery, the emotional toll of losing two of his closest associates has cast a dark shadow over his visit to Nigeria. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and local police continue to investigate the specific causes of the collision, while fans and colleagues alike offer prayers for the families of the departed and a swift recovery for the “champ.”
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