Two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal road traffic accident in Nigeria on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two close friends and team members. The incident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Details of the Tragic Collision
According to preliminary findings from Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the crash involved a black Lexus Jeep, in which Joshua was a passenger, and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck. Five adult males were involved in total.
The FRSC stated the Jeep was "suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit" when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and collided with the truck, which was parked at the roadside.
The two men who lost their lives have been identified as Kevin Ayodele, also known as Latz, and Sina Ghami. Joshua, 36, was taken to hospital with minor injuries and is reported to be in a stable condition. Two other men in the vehicle survived the crash unharmed.
Tributes Pour In for the Victims
In the hours following the accident, an outpouring of grief and condolences flooded social media from figures across the boxing and sporting community.
Promoter Eddie Hearn issued a statement confirming the tragic news: "With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away." He asked for privacy for the families.
Fellow boxer 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."
Joshua's recent opponent, Jake Paul, posted: "Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident." He later added a message of condolence for the families of Ghami and Ayodele.
Other tributes came from fighters including Badou Jack, Mutah Beale, and Misfits Boxing star Slim Albaher, who remembered Ayodele as "such a good soul and a supportive brother."
Roles of the Deceased Within Team Joshua
The loss is deeply personal for Joshua's camp. Kevin 'Latz' Ayodele worked as Joshua's personal trainer and was understood to be one of the boxer's closest friends.
Sina Ghami served as Joshua's strength and conditioning coach. A co-founder of Evolve Gym, Ghami had been part of Team Joshua for over a decade. His expertise also extended to working with elite athletes like NFL star Le'Veon Bell and NBA champion Draymond Green. He was pictured alongside Joshua during preparations for the boxer's fight with Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
The boxing world now mourns the tragic loss of two key figures while wishing Anthony Joshua a full and speedy recovery from the physical and emotional trauma of the accident.
