Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has broken his month-long silence following the tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest team members, describing the loss as a trauma that has turned his world upside down.
In an emotional video released on his social media channels late Thursday, 29th January, 2026, the British-Nigerian boxer fought back tears as he paid tribute to his personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, and his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami. The two men died on the spot when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team collided with a stationary truck along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, 2025. Joshua, who sustained only minor injuries in the crash, described the victims not merely as employees but as his “brothers” and “lieutenants” who had become integral parts of his life and career.
Addressing his global fanbase directly for the first time since the incident, Joshua revealed the depth of his grief, stating that the group had been in high spirits visiting family in Nigeria after his recent victory over Jake Paul in Miami. He lamented how their plans to celebrate the festive season were abruptly ended by the “unforeseen circumstance” that has left a void in his camp. The former champion noted that while he has lost people before, losing “his left and right hand” simultaneously has been a uniquely devastating blow.
Despite the tragedy, Joshua moved to dispel rumors of an immediate retirement, asserting that “the mission must go on.” He pledged to honor the memory of Ghami and Ayodele by continuing to pursue the goals they had set together, promising to support their grieving families. His statement comes as the legal process unfolds in Ogun State, where the driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, faces charges of dangerous driving causing death. The boxing world continues to rally around Joshua as he navigates this period of mourning while preparing for a potential return to the ring later in 2026.
