World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has made a defiant return to training, just weeks after being involved in a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members.
A Tragic Journey and a Miraculous Escape
The fatal incident occurred near Lagos at the end of December. Joshua was travelling in a Lexus SUV with his strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and his personal trainer Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, who had just arrived in the country for a holiday. In a fateful twist, Joshua swapped seats from the front to the back of the vehicle just before the journey began, a decision that likely saved his life.
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, who has worked for Joshua for over three years, did not possess a valid driver's licence at the time of the crash on what is known as one of Nigeria's most dangerous roads. Following the collision, Joshua was pulled from the wreckage in clear pain and spent New Year in hospital before flying back to the UK on January 2.
Legal Proceedings and Recovery
The funerals for Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele were held on Sunday 4 January at the London Central Mosque. Meanwhile, driver Kayode appeared at Sagamu High Court on Friday, wearing a black Muslim kaftan, where he pleaded not guilty to charges including dangerous driving. He claims the vehicle's brakes failed.
Kayode's lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, stated his client maintains his innocence, telling the Daily Mail: "What happened was an accident... he is saying the brakes did not work." Kayode was granted bail and taken to Sagamu Correctional Centre to complete paperwork.
Defiant Return to the Ring
Despite the physical and emotional trauma, Anthony Joshua has now resumed his boxing regimen. He shared a series of snaps on his Snapchat from the gym, branding his workout as 'mental strength therapy'. The compilation showed him hitting pads, working on lower leg exercises, using an exercise bike, and training in a pool.
In a powerful statement of intent, one post featured a picture with the caption 'I am a fighter', alongside an image of him being hit by Wladimir Klitschko during their epic 2017 world title bout. The champion is now recuperating at his mansion, with his boxing future, once hanging in the balance, firmly back in focus.
