Anthony Joshua has shared a heartfelt video expressing gratitude to his fans for their support following the death of two close friends in a car accident, while also reflecting on life and mortality, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The former world heavyweight champion, 36, suffered minor injuries in the crash on December 29 in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Joshua, Ghami, and Ayodele were passengers when their vehicle collided with a stationary truck near Lagos. Ghami and Ayodele died at the scene, while Joshua was rescued and seen receiving assistance from the wreckage.
In a six-minute message shared on social media, Joshua thanked supporters worldwide for the outpouring of love and encouragement during the difficult period.
He said, “One day my time will come, and I’m not scared. It’s comforting knowing I’ve got two brothers on the other side. I’ve lost people before, but not like this—my left and my right.”
Both friends were part of Joshua’s inner circle, with Ghami serving as his strength and conditioning coach and Ayodele as his personal trainer. Joshua described the trio as having shared a deep bond, saying, “We became business partners, hustlers, lieutenants, generals… we became everything.”
He added, “Not only did their families and friends lose two great men, but we also lost people who were deeply important in our lives. It’s incredibly tough.”
Joshua pledged to support Ghami and Ayodele’s families in achieving their goals, adding, “I’m certain their parents are proud of them because I am.”
The driver of the Lexus SUV, 46-year-old Adeniyi Kayode, appeared in a Nigerian court last week, facing four charges, including causing death by dangerous driving.
Earlier this month, Joshua returned to training, sharing a Snapchat video of him hitting the pads and calling it “mental strength therapy.” While he has not confirmed a comeback, promoter Eddie Hearn believes Joshua will return to the ring “when the time is right,” though his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, expects him to announce retirement.
Joshua also expressed gratitude to doctors at Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi, Lagos, President Bola Tinubu, and prominent figures such as Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote, Senator Daisy Danjuma, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and the governors of Lagos and Ogun states for their support.
The remains of Ghami and Ayodele were repatriated to the UK, where a joint funeral prayer was held at a London mosque on January 4.
