Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has made a heartfelt pledge to provide lifelong support to the families of his two close friends, who were tragically killed in a devastating car crash in Nigeria last week.
A Tragic Collision Near Lagos
The 36-year-old British boxing icon was a passenger in the rear of a black Lexus SUV when it collided with a stationary lorry on a main road near Lagos last Monday. While Joshua narrowly escaped with his life, the impact claimed the lives of both Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, long-standing members of his inner circle.
Joshua received hospital treatment in Nigeria for several days before being discharged on New Year's Eve. He returned to the UK on Friday and subsequently shared a poignant photograph on social media. The image showed him with his mother, Yeta Odusanya, alongside relatives of his deceased friends, captioned with the words "My Brothers Keeper".
Funerals and a Legal Case
The funerals for Ayodele and Ghami were held on Sunday, beginning with prayers at the London Central Mosque. The two coffins were placed side-by-side as the Janaza, the Islamic funeral prayer, was recited. Hundreds of mourners gathered outside before the coffins were taken to a nearby crematorium for the service.
In a significant development, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver of the SUV, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has been charged. He appeared at the Sagamu Magistrate Court on Friday, 2nd January 2026, facing charges including causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid licence. The case has been adjourned until 20th January, 2026.
It has also emerged that a simple seat swap may have saved Joshua's life. Reports indicate he initially sat in the front passenger seat but was asked by the driver to move to the rear because his size obstructed the wing mirror. This decision meant he was not in the front seat at the moment of impact.
Boxing Future in Doubt
The crash occurred just days after Joshua's spectacular sporting comeback, a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami that earned him an estimated £70 million. He had been scheduled to fight again next month, with a potential summer showdown against Tyson Fury on the horizon.
However, his future in the sport is now shrouded in uncertainty. Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Fury, has suggested any potential bout may not happen until late 2026, if at all. Warren acknowledged the profound personal loss Joshua has suffered, stating, "Well, boxing will certainly be the last thing on his mind, right now... I don't know the extent of his injuries, but it's also how mentally this will affect him."
A source close to Joshua reinforced the boxer's commitment, telling The Sun: "AJ is fiercely loyal to his friends and their families and will be there for them for the rest of their lives. He's had the same team around him for his whole career — and that team included Sina and Latz." Joshua's Instagram post and his vow of support stand as a testament to that enduring loyalty in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
